Prime Minister Mark Carney affirmed that Marilyn Gladu, the MP who recently switched from the Conservatives to the Liberals, will align her votes with core Liberal principles, especially on women’s rights and Charter protections.
Carney Addresses Gladu’s Party Switch
The day after Gladu pledged to bring her perspectives into the Liberal caucus, Carney told reporters she commits to Liberal values. “The Liberal Party always will support the right of women to choose, always and without question,” Carney stated Thursday. “She will vote with the government if there are votes relating to any aspect of that issue, as well as the rights of Canadians to be their whole selves, to love who they love, and to fully enjoy their rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” he added regarding Gladu.
In a letter to her former Conservative colleagues, Gladu emphasized her commitment: “All of you know what I stand for, and know that I will continue bringing these perspectives inside the government tent, particularly in growing a strong economy at this important moment for Canada’s future.”
Gladu’s Conservative Past and Liberal Fit
Over her decade as a Conservative MP, Gladu voiced social conservative positions, including calls for renewed debate on abortion and opposition to the Liberal ban on conversion therapy. She also backed the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests, promoted hydroxychloroquine as an alternative to COVID-19 vaccines, and opposed cannabis legalization.
Carney, speaking from Contrecoeur, Que., insisted Gladu adopts Liberal stances. “There has been no change in the values of the Liberal Party,” he declared in French before switching to English. “We’ve ran on a clear platform, clear values, defending the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, defending the right of women to choose, defending same-sex marriage, anti-conversion therapy.” He noted that new members recognize and support these positions.
Carney highlighted Gladu’s assets: two decades of business experience, expertise as a chemical engineer, and skill in collaborating across political lines. He avoided specifying unacceptable views from opposition MPs.
Contrecoeur Port Expansion Announcement
During the event, Carney announced construction starting this summer on a major container terminal expansion at the Port of Montreal, boosting capacity by 60 percent by 2030. The project, first proposed in 1988, faced decades of delays due to regulations. “Fast is not something one associated with Contrecoeur,” Carney remarked, crediting collaboration with Quebec to accelerate progress through the new Major Projects Office.
