Kitchener Centre Member of Parliament (MP) Kelly DeRidder, a Conservative from Ontario, has made it clear that she has no intentions of switching political allegiances, despite an attempt by the Liberal Party to sway her. DeRidder revealed that she received a phone call from the Liberal Party, urging her to join their ranks with the promise of a better chance at winning the upcoming election. However, DeRidder firmly rejected the proposal, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in government.
In a video posted on Facebook and an interview with CBC News, DeRidder expressed her concerns about the erosion of trust in institutions and the necessity of upholding these values. The Liberal Party’s efforts to recruit DeRidder come amidst a series of floor crossings, where several Conservative MPs have switched sides in recent months, resulting in the Liberals holding the majority of seats in the House of Commons.
Despite being approached by the Liberals, DeRidder stood her ground, declining their offer despite their acknowledgment of her commendable work in committees, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence and digital policy. She recounted how the Liberals pointed out the challenging electoral landscape for Conservatives in her riding, suggesting that Green supporters would likely back the Liberal candidate in the next election.
DeRidder’s victory in the April 2025 federal election, where she defeated Green Party incumbent Mike Morrice, was highlighted as a significant win for the Conservatives. Morrice and Green Party leader Elizabeth May reiterated their commitment to the upcoming election, with Morrice emphasizing the need for increased engagement with voters.
The decision by DeRidder to speak out about the recruitment attempt was explained as a way to shed light on the situation and counter the prevailing narrative blaming the Conservative Party for defections. Political science expert Andrea Perrella noted the rarity of such public disclosures, highlighting the potential repercussions on inter-party relationships. However, he acknowledged the strategic value of DeRidder’s transparency in solidifying her Conservative base within the politically diverse Kitchener Centre riding, which has a history of shifting allegiances among voters.