Who Do They Represent Now?

By Jim Canie

The Mark Carney–led Liberal government has secured a majority following recent by-election victories and a series of opposition MPs crossing the floor, prompting questions about how and why those decisions were made.

Poaching MPs from the opposition Conservative Party appears to have been a key part of that process. They also convinced one NDP member to cross the floor.

It started in November 2025, when Conservative MP Chris d’Entremont crossed the floor to join the Liberals, followed by fellow Conservatives Michael Ma in December 2025 and Matt Jeneroux in February 2026.

In March 2026, former NDP MP Lori Idlout (Nunavut) joined Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal caucus. Most recently, in April, Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu (Sarnia–Lambton–Bkejwanong) crossed the floor to join the Liberal Party.

Marilyn Gladu has stated that she did what her “constituents wanted.”

Tell that to the 40,597 voters who supported her as a member of the Conservative Party. She has been claiming in public interviews that her constituents are supporting her move—but do they?

In her riding of Sarnia–Lambton–Bkejwanong, many are upset and shocked by her decision. Gladu received 40,597 votes—53.1% of the vote in the last election as a Conservative, winning by over 11,600 votes against her Liberal opponent.

As reported by Spencer Van Dyk in a CTV News article published April 12, 2026:

“Her decision, though, raised eyebrows, because of her longstanding positions on vaccines, the COVID-19 pandemic, abortion, and LGBTQ2S+ issues.”

It raised eyebrows not just in her riding, but across Canada as well.

Marilyn Gladu was one of the loudest Conservative MPs to oppose the Liberal government, publicly criticizing Mark Carney and his policies time and time again. The videos are out there.

For over 14 years, Gladu consistently positioned herself as a staunch Conservative voice, regularly criticizing Liberal policies and leadership—right up until roughly a week or two before crossing the floor.

During her campaign for the leadership of the Conservative Party, she stated in videos that her goal was to become Prime Minister if elected leader.

She also supported and promoted by-elections for MPs who crossed the floor. Should she now face a by-election of her own?

What makes a long-time opposing Conservative MP cross the floor, and what factors influence that decision?

Political realities, access to funding, and influence may play a role—but to what extent? Are incentives involved?

In relation to former NDP MP Lori Idlout (Nunavut) crossing the floor, questions have also been raised. What discussions took place, and what considerations led to that decision?

All of these “floor crossers” ultimately abandoned their elected parties to join the Carney-led Liberals. What are the benefits? What promises were made? What incentives did they receive? These are valid questions given the gravity of their actions.

What are the repercussions of their actions, if any?

In her April 3, 2026, piece, Should Party Switching Be Examined? (Is This Foreign Interference and Treason?)—A Case for Transparency and Public Confidence, Jane Scharf writes:

“Canada already has laws to address improper influence under the Criminal Code:

• Section 120 – Bribery of officers
• Section 121 – Frauds on the government
• Section 122 – Breach of trust by a public officer

These provisions ensure that public office must be exercised in the public interest—not for private gain or improper pressure.”

I recently reached out to Michelle Ferreri, former Peterborough–Kawartha Conservative MP from 2021 to 2025, for her thoughts on the Gladu crossing. Michelle worked closely with Marilyn Gladu during that time. She had this to say:

“Thousands of voters and volunteers put their faith in Marilyn Gladu, and she betrayed them. Thousands of dollars were donated by taxpayers to ensure Marilyn was elected as a Conservative.

Should she have to pay those donors back?

She clearly has no shame to betray her constituents so brazenly. She should have to face the voters in a by-election, but honestly, her lack of integrity is on full display.

For a woman who said she cared so passionately about civil liberties, her actions on destroying democracy prove otherwise.”

In an April 16, 2026 article titled, “Caught In Potential Criminal Bribery Scandal Over Floor Crossing Pork For Projects,” the Daily Mail writes:

“Hours after the announcement, Gladu told a local reporter in Sarnia that she had received a call from the office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure.

“The purpose of the call was to discuss all the things the riding of Sarnia–Lambton–Bkejwanong needed. She stated that her previous requests for funding had gone nowhere while she remained on the opposition benches.

“She sent a one-page list of projects to the minister after her 2025 re-election. Those projects aligned with his file but produced no results until she switched parties.

“Section 119 of the Criminal Code of Canada addresses bribery of judicial officers and others, including members of Parliament.

“The law states that everyone is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years who, being the holder of a judicial office or being a member of Parliament or of the legislature of a province, directly or indirectly, corruptly accepts, obtains, agrees to accept, or attempts to obtain for themselves or another person any money, valuable consideration, office, place, or employment in respect of anything done or omitted, or to be done or omitted, by them in their official capacity.

“The same section also makes it an offence for anyone who directly or indirectly, corruptly gives or offers to such a person, or to anyone for the benefit of that person, any money, valuable consideration, office, place, or employment in respect of anything done or omitted, or to be done or omitted, by that person in their official capacity.

“In this situation, the timing raises serious questions under the law. Gladu herself connected the lack of progress on her riding projects to her status as an opposition member.

“She noted that it is harder to get funding when not on the government benches. She observed that after she crossed the floor, the call from the minister’s office arrived immediately. Federal funding for infrastructure, housing, and local projects qualifies as valuable consideration that benefits the riding and the member politically.

“If the prospect or promise of accelerated access to such funds influenced her decision to change her official capacity from opposition critic to government supporter, then the elements of corrupt acceptance or offering could apply.”

So where do we go from here?

Will there ever be any repercussions for Mark Carney and his Liberal Party members?

Bribing, coercing, or simply persuading—whatever the terminology may be—what is actually taking place when MPs are repeatedly drawn to the ruling party, and what does that mean for democratic accountability?

Does this erode confidence in the democratic process, as many Canadians now believe it does?

Why vote if elected representatives can later turn around and do what’s best for themselves and not their constituents?

Marilyn Gladu’s decision to leave the Conservatives and join the Liberals has created a huge debate not only in Sarnia but across Canada, with many Canadians expressing frustration and anger.

Many are now pushing that if an MP crosses the floor at any time, they should be forced to face an immediate by-election or resign, as they may no longer serve the constituents who voted them in.

As it stands, an MP can switch parties without going back to their constituents. Is that acceptable?

It is not just her Sarnia–Lambton–Bkejwanong riding that feels betrayed. Many Canadians feel that “floor crossing” is unacceptable—especially when it plays a role in building or maintaining a majority government.

At the time of writing, there are reports that the Liberal government may be actively courting several more Conservative MPs to cross the floor.

If true, what does that mean for parliamentary accountability—and for whether Canada’s democratic system is functioning as intended?

If Canadians can’t trust the mandate they vote for, what exactly are they voting for?

For more from Jim Canie, visit Make Canada Canada Again, at facebook.com/share/14aQiz9FBTW