Mark Carney, Canada’s prime minister, is on the verge of securing a majority government, with his Liberal party likely to win at least two closely watched byelections and attracting an ‘almost rare’ string of defections from rival parties. This strategy has elevated Carney’s reputation as a pragmatic leader who transcends the usual partisan politics, according to The Guardian.

Byelection Results and Political Shifts

On Monday evening, the results of three byelections are expected to give the Liberals command of parliament. Of the three races, two are in safe districts for the party and the third is expected to be fought on the narrowest of margins. This comes after a string of floor crossings in recent months, including the defection of Marilyn Gladu, a Conservative MP, who became the fourth Tory to abandon the party and join the Liberals.

Lori Idlout, a Nunavut MP from the leftwing New Democratic party, has also joined Carney’s team. Meanwhile, the deputy leader of Ontario’s NDP will run as a Liberal in a byelection in Toronto, a seat she is expected to win easily. These moves have sparked a fierce internal debate within the Liberal party over the ideological costs of consolidating power and the values the party is willing to uphold.

The Perception of Carney as a Wartime Leader

Scott Reid, a political adviser and former director of communications to the former Liberal prime minister Paul Martin, described the situation as “almost historic.” He noted that pulling people from such diverse political origins at a time when the prime minister is vulnerable while leading a minority parliament is a unique and notable development. Reid believes the disruptive force of Donald Trump continues to have an effect on Canada, both through his threats to annex the country and his multi-pronged attacks on Canada’s economy.

Reid stated that Trump’s influence has led certain Canadian politicians to distance themselves from partisanship and embrace a nationalist approach to the fight. “Trump gave rise to Carney and his unique talents,” Reid said. “Now, we’re watching another effect of Trump on our politics: a desire for stability. The perception is Carney is a wartime leader. And in so many respects, what we’re watching is the quietest assembly of a union government we’ve ever witnessed.”

Conservative Criticism and Internal Strife

The Conservatives have criticized the move and their former colleagues. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader, posted on social media that Mark Carney was “seizing a costly Liberal majority that voters denied him, and doing so through backroom deals.” He cited Gladu’s own words in January that “floor crossers should face voters in a byelection to give voters the final say.”

The loss of a social conservative such as Gladu is a blow to Poilievre, who is facing mounting discontent within his party despite handily winning his recent leadership review. More Conservatives are rumoured to be considering a move to the Liberals. Reid sees this as a serious threat to Poilievre, stating that if he had said two years ago that Poilievre would lose a federal election despite having a 25-point lead, lose his home riding, and surrender the parliamentary majority to his chief rival, “you’ve just described a political dead person.”

Gladu’s decision to join the Liberals has provoked tension within the party over how big a tent they want to create and the ideological costs of consolidating power. Gladu supported the “freedom convoy” during the coronavirus crisis and holds openly anti-abortion views that clash sharply with Liberal dogma. Under the former prime minister Justin Trudeau, Liberal candidates were required to be pro-choice when it came to abortion rights.

Supriya Dwivedi, a columnist and former adviser to Justin Trudeau, posted on X: “Guys, maybe we should all re-read Values [Carney’s 2021 book]. It’s possible we all missed the part where Carney said we don’t need to actually have any.”

Carney told reporters that Gladu was committed to voting with the government on issues surrounding a woman’s right to choose. “There’s no change in the Liberal party’s values, let’s be clear on that,” he said, adding that she wanted to join his party to help the country at a serious time. “We are fortunate that [MPs have defected] because they bring expertise, they bring perspectives, they bring energy and they help us work together.”

Gladu herself later said she had been consistent in her belief that “women need to have the right to choose.” She said: “I obviously have my long faith traditions, but I’m ready to support the rights of women in this country. I will vote with the government. I will protect the rights and freedoms of women to choose, for people to be who they are and love who they love.”