An NDP Member of Parliament is defecting to the Ontario Liberals to run in an upcoming provincial by-election in Sudbury, dealing a blow to the federal New Democrats less than a year before the next election.
Glenn Thibeault announced Tuesday he will switch parties and levels of government, contending he can do more for his city in Premier Kathleen Wynnes caucus than sitting in federal opposition with Thomas Mulcair.
I have spoken to Premier Kathleen Wynne about her plan to create greater opportunity and security for all Ontarians and her plan is exactly what Sudbury needs, Mr. Thibeault said in a statement. I believe I can make an even greater difference for the constituents of Sudbury as a member of this Ontario Liberal government.
His statement said his time at the federal level has come to an end, but it was not immediately clear when he would resign his seat in the House of Commons.
No date has yet been set for the by-election, which must be called by next spring.
In Ottawa, New Democrats were shaken and angered by the move, stating Mr. Thibeault only advised Mr. Mulcair after his defection was made public in the media. The pair had had a number of discussions in recent days, namely after Mr. Thibeault quit as chair of the NDP caucus by invoking a need to be closer to his family.
This move will anger many NDP volunteers who trusted Glenn and worked hard for him, said NDP MP Charlie Angus, who represents the northern Ontario riding of Timmins-James Bay. Im sorry he did this but the NDP base in Sudbury is strong and they wont like being taken for granted.
The new chair of the NDP caucus, London-Fanshawe MP Irene Mathyssen, said the lure of a cabinet position unfortunately appeared to be irresistible for Mr. Thibeault.
That is what the Liberals do, they throw out candy, she said. Its very hard to understand why he would regard the Wynne government as the place to go because the real progressives in Ontario are Andrea Horwaths New Democrats.
Ms. Mathyssen expressed her confidence in Mr. Mulcairs leadership and the NDP platform heading into next years federal election, while acknowledging the threat posed by Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau.
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New Democrat MP defecting to Ontario Liberals for Sudbury by-election