Cathy Dobson/Local Journalism Initiative

Former Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu says the death threats and harassment she received after crossing the floor and joining the Liberals in April are dissipating.

And more federal dollars have started flowing to her Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong riding, she said while speaking to reporters Tuesday.

An estimated 75 per cent of people in contact with her are very happy with her decision to leave the Conservative Party, she said.  “They think I did the right thing, and that the prime minister has the right vision and it will be better for the community.

“So they thank me and think it was very brave and courageous because obviously nobody likes to have their reputation smeared.”

Gladu was subject to numerous threats and intimidation in the months following her defection, and initially required a security detail. For safety reasons, she declined speaking engagements and did not participate in public events like the annual Canada Day parade in Sarnia. 

However, Gladu said that in the past two weeks, she has increasingly attended in-person events and said verbal harassment has “died down.” 

Over the Aug. 1 weekend, she participated in both Captain Kidd Days in Corunna and the Port Lambton Gala Day parade. 

Instead of a security detail for her at Tuesday’s Kiwanis meeting where she was guest speaker, Sarnia Police Services were alerted and Gladu wore a mobile panic button to reach them in case of a threat.

The meeting was held at the Lochiel Kiwanis Centre, a public building where many children spend the day. Gladu said she didn’t want to make anyone feel uncomfortable by arriving with security.

“It’s not like there is no threat,” she said. “But I feel like to do the job and make sure everyone’s comfortable here today…I called the police and had a police car drive by a couple of times…and that seemed to satisfy people.”

The RCMP and the Sergeant at Arms continue to assess the threat level of every event Gladu attends.  There were no issues Tuesday.

Despite any initial threat to her own safety, Gladu said she has no regrets about crossing the floor.

“I couldn’t have stayed (a member of the Conservative Party),” she said.  “It was a very toxic environment…I absolutely believe the Conservative leader cannot win and has no intention of leaving.”

She said she had intended to return to her engineering career when the offer to join the Liberal Party was made.  It came as a complete surprise and may already be paying off for the riding.

Gladu said announcements for federal funding came “very infrequently” when she was a member of the opposition.  But approximately $8 million – $10 million has been announced for various groups and projects recently.

There’s no truth to accusations that she is personally profiting in any way by joining the Liberals, she said. “There’s no kickback to me. Certainly, I received the death threats and the nasty notes.”

Gladu spoke to reporters outside a meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Sarnia Lambton Golden K where about 55 members listened to her views on world events and how the Liberal government is navigating U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Numerous local projects, including the wastewater treatment plant in Courtright and a capital campaign at Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, have requested federal funding and are waiting to see if they are included in grant announcements this year.

Gladu said she anticipates any that qualify will know within the next two to three months. 

“You can be sure as soon as I know, I’ll be making announcements all over the riding,” she said.