The Liberals are gathering in Montreal for their first convention since last spring’s election win. Since that time, the Liberals have rattled off five consecutive floor-crossers, and appear to be a lock to move to a majority after Monday’s byelections.
As the Liberal faithful gather — no doubt, in celebration — questions are emerging on the size of the party’s coalition after longtime Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu joined the Liberal caucus earlier this week.
Gladu is a social conservative who has opposed vaccine mandates and efforts to criminalize conversion therapy. Under former leader Justin Trudeau, Liberal candidates had to agree to vote against efforts to restrict access to abortion.
Since Mark Carney took the helm last March, the Liberals have made a decisive pivot to the centre, killing the consumer carbon tax, moving ahead with thousands of job cuts in the federal public service and signalling support for a new oil pipeline to B.C.
Is this teeing up a fight with progressives? Or are the Liberals riding too high in the polls to tolerate caucus dissent?
Follow along with our coverage of the convention and daily liveblogs. Here’s what on the slate tonight…
On the sked
6:00 PM
Convention Opening
6:30 PM
Keynote Remarks —
- Soraya Martinez Ferrada
- Sachit Mehra
François‑Philippe Champagne (“A Canada that builds, protects, and empowers”) - Rick Hansen
8:30 PM
Judy LaMarsh Fundraising Cocktail hosted by Diana Fox Carney







