Alberta MP Matt Jeneroux Crosses the Floor to Liberals

OTTAWA — Edmonton Riverbend MP Matt Jeneroux has crossed the floor from the Conservative Party to join Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal caucus, becoming the third Conservative member to defect in recent months.

Carney announced the move Wednesday morning on social media, saying he was “honoured” to welcome Jeneroux to the government benches.

Jeneroux will take on a new role as special advisor on economic and security partnership, according to the Prime Minister. Carney said the Alberta MP will help strengthen Canada’s trade alliances and global security cooperation at a time of increasing international pressure.

The two appeared together later in the day at Edmonton International Airport for a brief photo opportunity.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre condemned the decision, calling it a betrayal of voters in Edmonton Riverbend.

In a statement, Poilievre accused the Liberals of attempting to secure a majority government through political deals after falling short in the last federal election. He said Conservatives would continue focusing on affordability, public safety and support for the resource sector.

Jeneroux, first elected in 2015, had previously announced in November that he intended to step down from Parliament, though no timeline was provided. At the time, Poilievre indicated the resignation would likely take place in the spring.

In a statement Wednesday, Jeneroux said he reconsidered after discussions with his family and constituents, describing Canada as being at a “turning point.” He cited growing global economic pressures and concerns about sovereignty and national unity as reasons for remaining in public service.

The move comes as Carney’s Liberals remain short of a majority in the House of Commons. The party recently lost seats following the resignations of Chrystia Freeland and Bill Blair, along with a Supreme Court decision overturning a narrow Liberal win in a Quebec riding.

Jeneroux’s defection follows similar moves by Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont and Ontario MP Michael Ma in recent weeks, highlighting continued shifts within federal party lines.

While the switch strengthens the Liberal caucus numerically, the government still remains shy of a majority.

Source: CityNews Calgary