In a significant political development, former Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux has crossed the floor to join the Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney. Carney announced Jeneroux's arrival via social media, stating he was "honoured to welcome Matt Jeneroux to our caucus as the newest member of Canada's new government". Jeneroux, who represented Edmonton Riverbend since 2015, is the third Conservative MP to defect to the Liberals recently, following Chris d'Entremont and Michael Ma.
This latest floor-crossing brings the Liberals to 169 seats in the House of Commons, inching them closer to a majority government. There are currently three vacant ridings awaiting byelections, including two formerly held by prominent Liberals. The Supreme Court recently annulled the results in a Quebec riding which the Liberals had won by a single vote, adding another seat to be contested.
The move has sparked immediate reaction from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who accused Jeneroux of betraying his constituents and Carney of attempting to "seize a costly Liberal majority government... through dirty backroom deals". Jeneroux had previously served as the Conservative critic for various portfolios, including supply chains, innovation, and health. He announced his resignation as an MP in November, just before a crucial budget vote.
Prime Minister Carney and Jeneroux are scheduled to meet in Edmonton, Jeneroux's former riding, later today. Carney, who became Prime Minister in March 2025 after winning the Liberal leadership, is looking to solidify his government's position as he approaches his first full year in office.
