In Marilyn Gladu’s home riding of Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong, jaws could not have dropped further on Wednesday.
Even those supporting her decision to cross the floor to the Liberal Party of Canada cannot believe that, of all MPs on Conservative benches, she has done it.
Those upset with the move were already gathering outside her Sarnia constituency office just 90 minutes after the announcement.
John, who declined to use his last name, was carrying an anti-Liberal flag as he spoke to CTV News.
“Marilyn, this is not what we voted for here by any means,” he said. “We voted for a Conservative government in Sarnia, Ontario. Here. If you’re not willing to stand for it, take it to a byelection!”
Nearby, Michelle Anderson expressed similar thoughts.
“We wanted change. Now it’s clear that Marilyn Gladu, who said she was in favour of change, doesn’t want change. She doesn’t want any of the things that the Conservatives have promised,” she said.
But not only constituents were shocked at the announcement, but local politicians were also caught off guard.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley is among them.
“I just presumed it was a joke, because Marilyn Gladu has been very strong and very anti-Liberal and very anti-government on everything from energy to cross-border trade. So, it’s a stunning surprise,” he expressed.
Still, despite any past differences, Bradley does not discredit the potential advantages of having an MP sitting in the ruling government.
He’s hopeful that inroads will be made on energy.
“There is an invitation out to the present prime minister. Perhaps he will come here now. We are the energy hub of Eastern Canada. If this MP can push that agenda, then that is good for Sarnia-Lambton,” he said.
But back at the constituency office, it’s clear Gladu will have to act quickly to answer those who voted for her in a decisive 2025 Conservative win.
“We’re very disappointed in her,” Anderson said. “She’s worked her career here. She lives here. I mean, she has to show her face eventually. She has to talk to constituents.”
But some, like John, won’t hear it now that Gladu has switched from blue to red political stripes.
“This is a Conservative riding, and this Liberal has no business being here,” he concluded.
