Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux has crossed the floor to join the Liberal caucus, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday, marking the third defection from the Conservatives in the past three months.
In a post on social media, Carney welcomed Jeneroux and said that building a stronger and more resilient Canada requires “ambition, collaboration and, at times, sacrifice.” He also thanked the Edmonton Riverbend MP and his family for their continued public service.
Jeneroux confirmed his decision separately, stating that after consulting with his family, constituents and colleagues, he chose to remain in Parliament and work with the current government to help address key national challenges.
Earlier this year, Jeneroux had suggested he might step away from politics to spend more time with his family, but he had not formally resigned from his seat.
His move follows similar floor crossings by Conservative MPs Chris d’Entremont in November and Michael Ma in December.
The prime minister also announced that Jeneroux will serve as a special advisor on economic and security partnerships, focusing on strengthening Canada’s trade ties, international cooperation and global security engagement.
Despite the recent additions, the Liberals remain three seats short of a majority in the House of Commons. The party’s numbers have been affected by multiple changes, including the resignations of former cabinet ministers Bill Blair, David Lametti and Chrystia Freeland, as well as a Supreme Court ruling that overturned the Liberal win in the Quebec riding of Terrebonne, leading to a byelection.
Jeneroux was first elected as a Conservative MP in 2015, after serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in Alberta from 2012 to 2015. He had previously dismissed speculation that his party had pressured him regarding any potential switch.
Public opinion on floor crossing remains divided. According to recent Nanos Research data, 33% of Canadians believe MPs should resign and recontest their seats in a byelection, while 32% say MPs should be allowed to switch parties, and 31% feel they should sit as Independents until the next election.
