Marilyn Gladu is crossing the floor.
The longtime Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) for Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong announced in a statement Wednesday morning that she is joining Mark Carney's Liberal government.
She said this past year has been like no other that Canada has ever faced, and she's "heard clearly from constituents that you want serious leadership and a real plan to build a stronger and more independent Canadian economy."
"That is why I have decided to join Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canada’s new government as the newest member of his caucus," said Gladu in the statement. "It is a privilege to have served as your Member of Parliament for more than a decade, and I have made a choice to do the best thing for our community’s priorities, and importantly, for our country."
Gladu was first elected as MP for the riding in 2015, and was reelected for a fourth term last year.
"I know that you also want to see more direct support from your federal government at this crucial moment for our local and national economy, and I will be working relentlessly to advocate for the projects, priorities, and prosperity that our communities are counting on," said Gladu.
In 2020 Gladu ran for the leadership of the federal Conservative party, but withdrew her bid.
The local MP in 2020 also faced some controversy following an interview with Sarnia News Today citing “hydroxychloroquine, with azithromycin and zinc sulphate” as an effective treatment for COVID-19.
The move by Gladu gives the Liberals 171 seats, just shy of a majority, while the Conservatives fall to 140.
In a social media post, Prime Minister Mark Carney said he's honoured to welcome Gladu as the newest member of the government and Liberal caucus.
"In a time of global economic uncertainty, Canada’s success will depend on how we build ambition into progress and strengths into sustained advantage," said Carney. "Marilyn brings the practical, results-driven leadership this effort demands."
Carney said Gladu's experience in engineering and international business will be an asset.
"She understands what it takes to create good jobs, strengthen supply chains, and ensure Canadian industry can compete in a rapidly changing global economy," he said. "I’m looking forward to working closely with Marilyn to build a stronger and more independent Canadian economy, meeting the challenges of a changing world with lasting opportunities for all."
Roger Gallaway was the last Liberal to represent Sarnia-Lambton in the House of Commons. He lost to Conservative Pat Davidson in 2006.
The local riding was renamed Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong under the 2022 Canadian federal electoral redistribution.
It now includes all 11 Lambton municipalities and Walpole Island First Nation. Places like Lambton Shores, Warwick, Brooke-Alvinston, and Dawn-Euphemia were previously included in the Lambton-Kent-Middlesex riding.
