Canada's Carney welcomes another defector to Liberals as he nears majority

A Conservative member of parliament from Ontario has defected to the Liberal Party, bringing Canada's prime minister, Mark Carney, inches away from leading a majority in the House of Commons.

Marilyn Gladu announced her switch this week, saying the community she represents wants "serious leadership and a real plan to build a stronger and more independent Canadian economy".

The fifth MP to leave their party in recent months, Gladu has brought a majority government within arm's reach for the Liberals. They now have 171 seats - one shy of the required 172 for a majority.

Canada's Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, has accused Carney of trying to seize a majority "through dirty backroom deals".

Last month, MP Lori Idlout, who represents Nunavut, left the New Democratic Party to join Carney's caucus.

That followed the defections of three Conservative MPs: Matt Jeneroux of Alberta, Chris d'Entremont of Nova Scotia and Michael Ma of Ontario.

"In a time of global economic uncertainty, Canada's success will depend on how we build ambition into progress and strengths into sustained advantage," Carney posted on social media, applauding Gladu's move. "Marilyn brings the practical, results-driven leadership this effort demands."

But the Conservatives' Pollievre urged Gladu to face voters in a by-election and give voters the final say.

"When a member of Parliament goes back on the word they made to their constituents and switches parties, constituents should be able to petition to throw them out and have a by-election," he said during a news conference on Thursday.

"That would put the people back in charge of our democracy rather than having dirty backroom deals."

He also argued that, "Mark Carney is saying to Canadians: 'Your vote does not count,'" and added: "I feel badly for Ms Gladu's constituents, the strong majority of whom voted for our Conservative vision."

Gladu ran in 2020 for leadership of the Conservatives, but withdrew from the race not long after launching her campaign.

Gladu, who represents Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong in Ontario, said on Wednesday her choice was "the best thing for our community's priorities, and importantly, for our country".

The area she represents sits right on the US border, and in her announcement, she alluded to working to build a "more independent" Canada.

"We need a global leader with a plan to make a more resilient Canada," she said in a video standing next to Carney.

On Thursday, Carney said that she would vote with the party on matters regarding LGBT and abortion rights.

It comes amid criticism of her conservative record in Parliament, including her stance on Covid vaccines, the legalisation of cannabis and conversion therapy for teens.