• Marilyn Gladu's defection brings Liberals to 171 seats, one short of a majority.
• Special elections on April 13 could secure a Liberal majority in the House of Commons.
• Defections from the Conservatives raise questions about the leadership of Pierre Poilievre.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has welcomed another defector from the Conservative Party, as Ontario MP Marilyn Gladu joins the ruling Liberal Party. This defection leaves the Liberals just one seat short of a parliamentary majority, which could significantly ease the passage of Carney's legislative agenda, especially concerning trade with the U.S., according to Reuters, Los Angeles Times, and South China Morning Post.

This marks Gladu as the fourth Conservative MP to switch parties since last November, amid ongoing pressures from U.S. President Donald Trump's trade measures. Gladu cited the need for "serious leadership" and a more resilient Canadian economy as key factors for her decision, stating, “The past year has been like no other Canada has ever faced,” according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

As it stands, the Liberals now hold 171 seats in the House of Commons, needing at least 172 for a majority, which they could secure as special elections are slated for April 13 in districts viewed as favorable for the Liberals. Carney's government is described as transforming into a more centrist political force since he took over from Justin Trudeau in 2025, according to Los Angeles Times and South China Morning Post.

The increasing number of defections from the Conservative Party has put additional strain on its leadership under Pierre Poilievre, who survived a recent leadership review but faces ongoing challenges. His party has suffered significant losses, raising concerns about Poilievre's ability to control his members, as noted by political analysts, according to Reuters and Los Angeles Times.