TORONTO (AP) — A third Conservative Party member of Canada’s Parliament has switched allegiances to join Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government.
Prime Minister Carney revealed through social media Wednesday that Alberta MP Matt Jeneroux has abandoned the Conservative Party to become part of the Liberal caucus. This marks the third time in recent months that a Conservative legislator has made such a political switch.
Jeneroux’s party change brings the Liberal government one step closer to achieving majority control, which would allow them to advance legislation without needing support from opposition parties.
Three upcoming parliamentary by-elections could potentially secure the Liberals’ path to majority rule.
This latest defection deals another setback to Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, who suffered defeat in April’s election and temporarily lost his parliamentary seat before returning to the House of Commons.
While Poilievre successfully navigated a party leadership review last month, he continues facing challenges maintaining unity within his caucus.
Jeneroux had initially revealed his intention to resign back in November, coming just days after another Conservative MP departed to join the Liberal ranks. At that time, Poilievre indicated Jeneroux would be stepping down from Parliament entirely come spring.
However, Jeneroux explained in a Wednesday social media post that family discussions led him to reconsider, stating that current circumstances require “steady leadership” for the nation.
Since taking over from Justin Trudeau as prime minister in 2025 and securing electoral victory, Carney has positioned the Liberal Party toward the political center.
During last month’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Carney spoke out against economic pressure tactics used by major powers against smaller nations. His comments at the international gathering earned significant praise and media attention, overshadowing U.S. President Donald Trump’s presence at the event.
