Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong MP Marilyn Gladu's decision to defect from the Conservative Party to Mark Carney's Liberal government has stunned many people.
Sarnia News Today received many calls and comments, and went out to speak to community members who were reacting to Wednesday's announcement.
President of the local Conservative Board of Directors Pete Aarssen said he was not advised in advance of Gladu’s decision to cross the floor, to "personally negate the huge electoral win she earned as a Conservative Party of Canada candidate just a year ago."
He said he was saddened, shocked and deeply disappointed.
Aarssen agreed with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre who said Mark Carney is "seizing a costly Liberal majority that voters denied him, and doing so through backroom deals."
Poilievre noted that in January, MP Gladu said floor crossers should face voters in a by-election to give voters the final say.
"I could not agree more. She should do so. The people in her community voted for our Conservative vision of a Canada that is affordable, safe, and strong at home, not for the costly Liberal government she has now joined. She should honour her word and let voters decide."
Here are some of the other comments:
Dawn Todd called the newsroom and said she was surprised, disappointed, angry and planning protests. "I'm going to Staples this afternoon," Todd said. "I'm getting some poster boards and I suspect other people will be showing up as well. I want a by-election, so the voters can put their voice forward."
"Doubt very much Marilyn will ever get votes from this area anymore. I'm flabbergasted under cut to the gut," said Wayne Robertson in an email.
"Unbelievable. Sarnia has been Conservative for over two decades this woman under the banner of Conservative won over 50 per cent of the votes. This woman is not representing Sarnia. She’s representing herself with no respect for her constituents." - Linda Hill on X
"We no longer live in a democracy when the party and values you vote for crosses to the other party after an election. If she wanted to run for the Liberal party, she should have done it before the election. Everyone knows that our area is strongly conservative in their thought process, this is no longer the Canada I know and love!" - Lori Laird emailed.
Sarnia News Today spoke with individuals shopping along London Road in Sarnia.
Some people expressed their views but wished to remain anonymous.
"I was very surprised, but I think she's doing it for the right reasons. I think it will benefit our community immensely," said Daniel Gaudenzi.
"No difference to me. Let's bring some business to Sarnia. We voted Liberal last time, so we're fine," anonymous.
"I think a lot of people are going to be disappointed. Sarnia-Lambton and Kent have always been Conservative. No, I think she's done the wrong thing there. Lorne Henderson will be turning over in his grave," anonymous.
"It's just mind-boggling, to be honest. I heard it on the radio and had to stop because I just can't believe it. I'm stunned. Not a huge Gladu fan, never was, and this isn't going to change my opinion of her, so not sure what the Liberal party is going to do with this crazy person in charge there," anonymous.
"It's her choice, I think it's a great thing," said Patrick King.
"I'm shocked, actually. I'm surprised. Well, I guess she must have had her reasons," anonymous.
- With files from Melanie Irwin and Josh Boyce
