ONTARIO — Marilyn Gladu, a Conservative member of Parliament representing the Ontario electoral district of Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong, defected to the Liberal Party. The move brought the Liberal seat count in the House of Commons to 171, one short of the 172 needed for a majority.

Three other Conservative members of Parliament — Matt Jeneroux of Alberta, Chris d'Entremont of Nova Scotia and Michael Ma of Ontario — also left the party to join the Liberal caucus in recent months. Lori Idlout, who represents Nunavut, left the New Democratic Party to join the Liberal caucus last month. The four previous defections, combined with Gladu's move, have brought the Liberals to 171 seats.

In a statement, Gladu said that the community she represents wants serious leadership and a real plan to build a stronger and more independent Canadian economy. Gladu ran for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada in 2020 but withdrew shortly after launching her campaign.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said that Gladu would vote with the Liberal Party on matters regarding LGBT and abortion rights. "Marilyn brings the practical, results-driven leadership this effort demands." Carney said.

Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre objected to the defection, calling for a new process that would allow constituents to force a by-election when their representative switches parties. "When a member of Parliament goes back on the word they made to their constituents and switches parties, constituents should be able to petition to throw them out and have a by-election." Poilievre said.

"That would put the people back in charge of our democracy rather than having dirty backroom deals," he added.