Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux is joining the Liberal caucus, according to a social media post by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
“Building a stronger, more resilient, and more independent country will require ambition, collaboration, and occasionally, sacrifice,” Carney wrote. “I am grateful to Matt and his family that he will continue his service as a strong voice for Edmonton Riverbend in Parliament.”
Jeneroux, who represents the riding of Edmonton Riverbend, becomes the third Conservative MP to cross the floor in as many months, following Chris d’Entremont in November and Michael Ma in December.
After d’Entremont joined the Liberals — just hours after they tabled the federal budget — speculation mounted that Jeneroux might do the same. Instead, he initially announced plans to step down as an MP altogether, though as of February he had not formally resigned.
In a social media post Wednesday, Jeneroux said he had reconsidered.
“After further reflection with my family, and conversations with colleagues and constituents, I will be continuing to serve in Parliament — and I will be working with Prime Minister Mark Carney as part of his new government to help build our country’s strength as we face the challenges ahead,” he wrote.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the move, accusing Jeneroux of betraying voters.
“Mark Carney is trying to seize a costly Liberal majority government that Canadians voted against in the last election through dirty backroom deals,” Poilievre wrote on social media. “Matt Jeneroux has betrayed the people of Edmonton Riverbend who voted for affordable food and homes, safe streets, and a strong resource sector.”
Speaking at a press conference on Parliament Hill Tuesday, Poilievre was asked about the state of his caucus.
“Overall, I think we have a great team,” he said.
In November, amid speculation about a possible floor crossing, Jeneroux publicly rejected claims that he had faced pressure from his party. At the time, he said there was no coercion involved in his decision to resign and described having a “great conversation” with Poilievre, emphasizing that his earlier plan to step down reflected a desire to spend more time with his family.
Liberals Still Short of Majority
Despite three Conservative MPs now sitting with the Liberals, the governing party remains three seats short of a majority following the April election.
Former cabinet minister Bill Blair resigned his seat after being appointed Canada’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom. Former justice minister David Lametti left to become Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations, replacing Bob Rae in November.
Former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland also stepped down to take on a role as an economic adviser to the Ukrainian government.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court invalidated the federal election result in the Quebec riding of Terrebonne, where Liberal MP Tatiana Auguste had won by a single vote. The riding is now set for a byelection.
