A Conservative MP switches sides to join the Liberal caucus: Carney announces
Politics
CBC News
Edmonton’s Conservative Member of Parliament Matt Jeneroux has joined the Liberal caucus, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on social media on Wednesday.
Previously, Jeneroux had indicated he intended to resign from the House of Commons.
Catharine Tunney, CBC News
Posted: February 18, 2026 at 10:26 AM EST | Updated 33 minutes ago
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In a notable shift, Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux has joined the Liberal caucus, as announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney on social media.
This move marks the Liberals’ third crossover from the Conservative side, following Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont in November and Toronto-area MP Michael Ma in December. Despite these additions, the Liberal party remains shy of a parliamentary majority.
According to Carney’s schedule, he and Jeneroux are set to meet in Edmonton this morning.
There were rumors last fall that Jeneroux might defect to the government benches. Instead, the Edmonton Riverbend MP said he would resign as an MP, stating at the time that his primary focus needed to be his family and the responsibilities that come with that.
Carney’s Liberal team notes that even though the cross‑the‑aisle move is official, Jeneroux had not yet formally stepped aside and had not participated in House votes for the Conservatives.
In a statement, Jeneroux explained that after holiday discussions with family, colleagues, and constituents, he reflected on Canada’s current moment, which the prime minister addressed at Davos. He said Canada needs steady leadership and constructive collaboration across parliament. He added that, after further reflection with his family, he would continue to serve in Parliament and work with Prime Minister Carney as part of his new government to strengthen the country as it faces upcoming challenges.
Carney, for his part, welcomed Jeneroux and indicated the MP would serve as a special adviser on economic and security partnerships.
“Building a stronger, more resilient, and more independent country will require ambition, collaboration, and occasionally sacrifice,” Carney wrote. “This is a time to come together—and together, we will build a stronger future for Edmonton, Alberta, and all Canadians.”
Jeneroux’s floor-crossing adjusts the Liberal seat total to 169 in the House of Commons, with 171 opposition members. There are three vacancies: two Liberal seats previously held by Chrystia Freeland and Bill Blair, and the Montreal-area riding of Terrebonne, where the Supreme Court of Canada recently voided last spring’s election results.
Thought-provoking note: this move heightens debate about party loyalty versus representation and whether cross‑bench realities reflect voters’ evolving priorities. Is this shift a strategic rebalancing of power, or a sign of deeper ideological realignments within Canadian politics? What impact will these crossovers have on legislative teamwork and policy direction? Share your thoughts in the comments.
