Canadian News

Liberal Majority in Sight as Carney’s Party Woos Eight More Opposition MPs

Liberal sources reveal ongoing talks with eight more opposition MPs to cross the floor, as Mark Carney nears a majority government ahead of key by-elections.

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6 days ago

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A Strategy for Total Control

The Liberal Party of Canada is reportedly in active discussions with as many as eight additional opposition Members of Parliament to cross the floor, according to senior party organizers. This strategic recruitment drive, if successful, would solidify Prime Minister Mark Carney’s grip on the House of Commons and potentially reshape the Canadian political landscape for years to come.

Liberal sources, including veterans involved in the outreach, indicate that the list of targets includes both Conservative and New Democratic Party (NDP) MPs. These efforts were underway well before the high-profile defection of Ontario MP Marilyn Gladu, whose recent move to the Liberals has dominated the party’s ongoing convention in Montreal.

The Math of a Majority

The timing of these potential defections is critical. With Ms. Gladu’s arrival, the Liberals currently hold 171 of 343 seats—just one shy of a standing majority. With three by-elections scheduled for Monday, including two stronghold ridings in Toronto, the Liberals are on the verge of securing a majority through the ballot box. However, insiders describe the recruitment of opposition MPs as “political insurance,” ensuring a stable government even if the closely contested Quebec riding of Terrebonne remains out of reach.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has characterized the process as organic, suggesting that opposition members are the ones initiating contact. “In each of these circumstances, individuals have come to people they know well in the Liberal caucus and expressed an interest in joining,” Carney told reporters. Nevertheless, the involvement of cabinet ministers in brokering past deals suggests a highly coordinated effort to weaken the opposition.

Pressure Mounts on Conservative Leadership

The prospect of further floor-crossing has placed Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre under intense scrutiny. As the Liberals boast of an expanding tent that now includes social conservatives like Gladu, Poilievre is facing questions regarding caucus unity. While some Conservative MPs have taken to social media to pledge their loyalty, the departure of veteran members highlights a growing friction within the official opposition.

As the Liberal convention continues, the political world remains focused on whether Carney will announce further additions to his caucus, a move that would effectively neutralize the threat of a non-confidence motion and grant the government a clear path to implementing its legislative agenda without the need for NDP support.

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Canadian News

B.C. Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry Criticizes Political Retreat on Drug Decriminalization

Dr. Bonnie Henry expresses disappointment as B.C. ends its drug decriminalization trial, citing political pressure and rising stigma after 18,000 deaths.

Published

5 days ago

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April 13, 2026

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A Significant Setback in the Toxic Drug Crisis

British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, has expressed profound disappointment over the government’s decision to roll back its landmark decriminalization trial. Speaking at a roundtable discussion marking the 10th anniversary of the province’s public health emergency declaration regarding toxic drugs, Dr. Henry attributed the policy reversal to mounting political pressure rather than evidence-based health outcomes.

Stigma and Political Rhetoric

Since the emergency was first declared a decade ago, more than 18,000 lives have been lost to the toxic drug supply in B.C. Dr. Henry argued that the decriminalization pilot, which removed criminal penalties for possessing small amounts of illicit substances for personal use, was a vital tool in reducing the shame and stigma associated with addiction. However, she noted that recent rhetoric from both provincial and federal political leaders has been “very stigmatizing,” effectively eroding years of progress made in treating addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal one.

The Balance of Public Safety and Public Health

While Dr. Henry acknowledged that decriminalization was “never going to be a silver bullet,” she lamented that the project became a political touchstone. The province originally sought the federal exemption to encourage users to seek help without fear of arrest. However, public concerns regarding open drug use and safety eventually led the government to tighten rules before ultimately ending the trial. Health Minister Josie Osborne, also present at the roundtable, defended the decision, stating that the trial had not delivered the intended results and was always intended to be temporary.

Looking Ahead After a Decade of Loss

The end of the decriminalization experiment comes at a somber moment for the province. As B.C. enters its eleventh year under a state of emergency, health officials remain divided from political leaders on the best path forward. Dr. Henry emphasized that while she understood the political need to step back, the shift in language and policy risks pushing vulnerable populations further into the shadows, complicating efforts to curb the ongoing mortality rate associated with the illicit drug market.

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Canadian News

Liberals Within One Seat of Majority as Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu Crosses Floor

Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu joins the Liberals, bringing Prime Minister Mark Carney within one seat of a majority government ahead of key byelections.

Published

1 week ago

on

April 8, 2026

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A Significant Shift in the House of Commons

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Parliament Hill, Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong MP Marilyn Gladu has officially defected from the Conservative Party to join the Liberal benches. The announcement, made Wednesday, marks a pivotal moment for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government as it inches closer to securing a legislative majority. Gladu, a veteran politician first elected in 2015, cited a need for a more “constructive and collaborative approach” to governance as the primary motivator for her departure from the official opposition.

The Drive for Economic Stability

In a letter addressed to her constituents and released by the Liberal Party, Gladu emphasized that the challenges of the past year have shifted the political landscape. “I’ve heard clearly from constituents that you want serious leadership and a real plan to build a stronger and more independent Canadian economy,” she wrote. This rhetoric aligns closely with the Carney government’s current focus on industrial policy and economic sovereignty, suggesting that the Liberals’ centrist economic platform is successfully peeling away moderate Conservatives who feel alienated by the current direction of their own party.

The Path to 172: A Majority in Sight

Gladu’s defection is part of a larger, unprecedented trend of floor-crossing in Canadian politics. She is the fifth MP to switch sides in just five months, following former Conservatives Chris d’Entremont, Michael Ma, and Matt Jeneroux, as well as former NDP MP Lori Idlout. With Gladu now in the fold, the Liberal caucus stands at 171 seats—just one shy of the 172 required for a slim majority. This puts immense pressure on three upcoming byelections scheduled for Monday in University–Rosedale, Scarborough Southwest, and Terrebonne. If the Liberals hold their ground in these ridings, Prime Minister Carney will transition from a precarious minority position to full control of the legislative agenda.

Political Implications for the Opposition

For the Conservative Party, Gladu’s exit is a significant blow, representing the loss of a respected voice in the caucus and a clear signal of internal friction. As the government prepares for a potential majority, the opposition faces the difficult task of unifying a fractured base and stemming the tide of further defections. The results of Monday’s byelections will ultimately determine if Gladu’s move was the final piece of the puzzle for a Liberal majority or a catalyst for a renewed political battle in the House of Commons.

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Canadian News

Internal Memo Labels Rideau Cottage ‘Inadequate’ as Decision on 24 Sussex Nears

A leaked memo reveals Rideau Cottage is inadequate for the Prime Minister due to security risks, as the Carney government faces a decision on 24 Sussex Drive.

Published

1 month ago

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March 18, 2026

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Security and Space Constraints Plaguing Current PM Residence

Rideau Cottage, the historic residence that has served as the home for Canadian prime ministers for over a decade, is increasingly being viewed as a security liability. An internal government memorandum, obtained via an access to information request, describes the red-brick house as “inadequate” for the needs of a head of government. The document, prepared for Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Sabia in August 2025, highlights that the building’s small footprint and proximity to the Governor General’s residence and public neighborhoods create significant operational challenges.

The Long Shadow of 24 Sussex Drive

While Rideau Cottage struggles to meet modern requirements, the official residence at 24 Sussex Drive remains a shell of its former self. Once the home of every prime minister from Louis St. Laurent to Stephen Harper, the 19th-century mansion was decommissioned after being found to be infested with mould, asbestos, and rodent excrement. Although hazardous materials and obsolete systems have been stripped out, the property remains uninhabitable. Successive administrations have hesitated to authorize the tens of millions of dollars required for a full restoration, fearing the political optics of spending taxpayer funds on a leader’s residence.

A Looming Deadline for the Carney Government

Under the current administration of Prime Minister Carney, there are signs that a final decision may be approaching. A source familiar with the matter indicates that the government could determine the fate of 24 Sussex in the coming months. This follows a directive from former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who set a January 1, 2026, deadline for an advisory panel to provide recommendations on the location, functionality, and security of a permanent official residence. While Prime Minister Carney has previously stated that the residence is not a top priority, the Privy Council Office has reportedly taken an active role in costing out potential options.

Security Recommendations and Heritage Concerns

The RCMP has already provided confidential advice on “target hardening” for various site options, including the implementation of counter-drone mechanisms and advanced surveillance. Meanwhile, heritage advocates like Heritage Ottawa are urging the government to act before the historic structure at 24 Sussex deteriorates beyond repair. Former Deputy Prime Minister Sheila Copps has suggested that the decision-making process must be insulated from partisan politics to ensure that the site—a symbol of Canadian history—is preserved for future generations.

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