Kim Fyfe is meeting MP Marilyn Gladu on Friday

Cathy Dobson/Local Journalism Initiative

The chair of the Sarnia-Lambton Liberal Association says she is optimistic several of MP Marilyn Gladu’s opinions will change now that she has crossed the floor.

The former Conservative MP has previously expressed views about Covid-19 and Donald Trump that were “disturbing and not helpful,” said Kim Fyfe, hours after learning Gladu joined the federal Liberal party Wednesday.

“Her crossing the floor is completely out of the blue. We knew nothing about it,” said Fyfe.  “I want to remain open-minded about the future and see if she will mesh with Liberals.”

Fyfe spoke to The Independent while travelling to Montreal where the 2026  Liberal National Convention is scheduled to start Friday.  

Gladu quickly contacted Fyfe after Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Gladu was joining the Liberals.  “She would like to sit down and talk at the convention,” Fyfe said.  “Obviously, we’ve not worked together.  She’s the last person I thought would choose this path.

“But I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes.  Maybe this will work out well.

“Liberal values are pretty clearly outlined and she has not represented them in the past,” Fyfe said. “But I have to assume she is choosing to embrace Liberal policies now.”

Fyfe said a byelection is not an option although the national media has discussed the possibility for MPs crossing the floor and Gladu herself supported the idea in recent months.

However, Canada works under the Westminister Parliament system, which does not allow for byelections in these circumstances, Fyfe said.

“Although candidates run under a party banner, each individual is elected to represent their riding, not their party,” she said.  “So this should not trigger a new election.”

Instead, voters will determine Gladu’s future if she runs in the next federal election.

“It will be up to the voters to determine whether this was a good decision on her part,” said Fyfe.

“It’s our job as an association to support the candidate and, if we have an MP, to support the MP.”

Fyfe said the local Liberal association grew to 1,000 members in 2025 when Mark Carney became federal leader, and continues to have strong participation.

That was a dramatic change after Gladu won four terms as a Conservative, leaving the Sarnia-Lambton Liberal association in tatters for nearly a decade.