Is this the right path to a majority government?

This episode of As It Happens explores a pivotal political shift in Canada, focusing on the defection of Conservative MP Marilyn Gladue to the Liberal government, bringing Prime Minister Mark Carney one seat away from a majority. The episode features insights from floor-crosser Chris D'Entremont, who reflects on the personal and political challenges of switching parties, the evolving values of Canadian voters, and the internal struggles within the Conservative Party. Meanwhile, global tensions persist in the Strait of Hormuz, where a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire has failed to restore shipping traffic, leaving companies like Hapag Lloyd stranded and losing millions. The episode also highlights inspiring human achievements: a 14-year-old Nigerian spelling champion who triumphed in a multilingual competition, and University of New Brunswick engineering students who tracked NASA’s Artemis II mission using a modest rooftop satellite dish. In space, China’s methodical space program is seen as a potential challenger to U.S. lunar ambitions, while Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen reflects on the profound perspective of space travel. Finally, a remarkable fish species in the Congo Basin defies gravity by climbing 50-foot waterfalls, showcasing nature’s resilience and adaptability.