OTTAWA – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney moved closer to securing a parliamentary majority Wednesday when a Conservative Party member switched allegiances to join his Liberal government.
Marilyn Gladu, a veteran Conservative legislator, announced her decision to join the centrist Liberals, bringing Carney’s party to 171 seats in the 343-member House of Commons – just one vote shy of majority control.
The timing proves crucial for Carney’s government, which has been operating as a minority administration since winning power in April 2025. Without a majority, the Liberals must rely on opposition party support to advance major legislation.
Carney has argued that majority control is essential for effectively responding to trade policies implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump. The prime minister praised Gladu’s decision, stating it would strengthen the government during a period of international instability.
The Liberal Party appears positioned to reach majority status through upcoming special elections scheduled for April 13, which will fill two vacant parliamentary seats.
Gladu represents the fourth Conservative member to join the Liberals since November, part of a broader trend that has also seen a New Democratic Party legislator make the same switch last month.
Achieving majority status would allow Carney to govern until October 2029, as Canadian federal elections must occur at least once every four years. Despite polling data showing the Liberals holding substantial leads over competing parties, Carney has stated he has no intention of calling early elections.
The latest party switch intensifies pressure on Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who retained his leadership position following a January review after losing the 2025 election despite holding significant polling advantages. Conservative Party officials were not immediately available to respond to requests for comment.
