Floor-crossers support core Liberal values, Carney says

MPs who desert to the progressive caucus back up the party's program, undercoat Minister Mark Carney said when asked about the positions of opposition parliamentarians from across the political spectrum who have joined the red tent in recent months.

"It's a big country and it's a diverse country," Carney said at a news conference in Contrecoeur, Que., adding that the recent floor-crossers had brought "a series of perspectives and expertise that is aiding … the government and the country at a crucial time."

He was speaking the day after Marilyn Gladu became the latest MP to defect from the Conservatives, bringing the Liberals up to 171 seats, just shy of the 172 needed for a majority when all seats in the House of Commons are filled.

Asked about positions Gladu has taken at odds with Liberal policies — including expressing anti-abortion views, vaccine skepticism, support for the trucker convoy, opposing cannabis legalization and reservations about banning conversion therapy — Carney said she is expected to support the government on core issues. 

Conservative floor-crosser will side with Liberals on any abortion vote, Carney says

"I had discussions and colleagues had discussions with Ms. Gladu about those issues," Carney said. "She will vote with the government if there are votes relating to any aspect of that issue [abortion], as well as the rights of Canadians to be their whole selves, to love who they love, to fully enjoy the rights."

He hailed Gladu's reputation for collegiality and her private sector work as an engineer and consultant before joining Parliament in 2015. 

"She has more than two decades of business experience," he said. "She is someone who works well with other people, including across the aisle." 

The Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong MP was the fifth to cross the floor in as many months, following Conservatives Chris d'Entremont in Nova Scotia, Michael Ma in the Greater Toronto Area, Matt Jeneroux in Edmonton and former NDP MP Lori Idlout in Nunavut. 

Those joining the Liberal caucus support its policy goals, Carney said.

"We've run on a clear platform," Carney said. "People who are joining the Liberal Party at this critical time … recognize those clear policy positions, those values."

The floor-crossers brought varied experiences from their respective regions that are important to the government, he said. 

"You don't need a government of just lawyers," he said. "You want to have that diversity of perspective."

'I'm often the last to know': Carney outlines how his Liberals attract floor-crossers

Asked if there were red lines that would prevent him accepting other defections, Carney cited core Liberal principles.

"The values of solidarity, of inclusivity and of sustainability, the fundamental protections in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms," he said. "I would add to that dynamism, building this country, ambition for this country." 

Carney would not be drawn on whether more defections were expected during the Liberal convention in Montreal over the weekend. 

"I'm often the last to know," he said, explaining that other members of the Liberal caucus had led preliminary conversations with potential floor-crossers with him only meeting them toward the end of discussions.

"But if no one else comes then we'll just keep going," he said.

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