One More Defection Could Hand Carney Uncontested Power

A Canadian opposition lawmaker has switched sides, pushing Prime Minister Mark Carney's government to the brink of a parliamentary majority. On Wednesday, Conservative Member of Parliament Marilyn Gladu defected to join Carney's ruling Liberal Party. The move leaves the Liberals just one seat short of controlling more than half of the seats in the House of Commons. Since the April 2025 election, the centrist Liberals have held a minority government. This has forced them to negotiate with opposition parties to pass any laws. A majority government would allow Carney to approve legislation without needing their support. The Prime Minister welcomed Gladu's decision. He has previously stated that a parliamentary majority is necessary to effectively respond to trade measures imposed by US President Donald Trump.