Poilievre Stands Firm Amid MP Defections

0:00It's April 9th, Calgary News. Today starts now, AI-powered and ready. I'm Cory with the story. Conservative leader Pierre Polyève is standing firm on his leadership after losing a fourth MP to the Liberals in just a few months. This time it was Marilyn Gladou from Sarnia, Lampton, B. Kowachinong, marking the latest floor crossing hit. Polyève for, spoke out in Richmond, British Columbia, brushing off any talk of stepping back. He pointed to the record 8.3 million Canadians who voted conservative, last election, plus 87% grassroots support for, him less than 90 days ago. Polyève recalled his mandate straight from the people, not backroom deals, and slammed MPs who switched sides as betraying voters. He even pushed for constituents to trigger by elections in those writings. Reactions are mixed, with some insiders saying four defections can't be ignored. More party strategist Dan Robertson called it a real blow, urging questions on leadership

1:01rather than just the MP's motives. Meanwhile, supporters argue Polyève is the best to unite the party's diverse voters from the West to fiscal conservatives. The departing MPs, including Chris Dontermont, Michael Ma and Madginero, cited Mark Carney's economic focus and better funding for their writings. As reasons to join the Liberals, Gladou hoped for more projects back home, noting government benches deliver more. Even Nunavut's Lori Eilow jumped from new Democrats to Liberals in March. Polyève shows no public signs of change, staying calm amid caucus grumbling and polls showing conservatives trailing. With grassroots behind him, but MP slipping away, the pressure builds as the next election looms. Representative tests like this could reshape the race.