The Conservatives lost their second member this week as Alberta MP Matt Jeneroux announced he is resigning from the House of Commons.
“I want to be clear that there was no coercion involved in my decision to resign. I consider my colleagues in the Conservative Party very close friends, and I will miss them dearly,” Jeneroux said in a statement.
He added that he informed party whip Chris Warkentin earlier Thursday and that his focus “must turn entirely to my family.”
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The development follows Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont’s move to the Liberals on Tuesday, a pair of blows that give the minority government more breathing room on near-term votes, including this week’s budget.
Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged outreach to MPs outside his party, saying “we’ll speak to anyone publicly or otherwise who can support us.” D’Entremont has said he joined the Liberals because of Poilievre’s leadership style and told reporters he knows of former Conservative colleagues who “are in the same boat.”
Jeneroux addressed speculation that he had been preparing to defect to the Liberals. His statement rejected that narrative and made only a passing reference to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Hours later, a second message distributed through official party channels said he spoke with Poilievre after the announcement and emphasized family as the reason for stepping away.
“I had a great conversation with Pierre Poilievre, who wished me all the best, as I do him,” Jeneroux said, adding that he ran under Poilievre’s leadership “in hopes we could form a government” and wished colleagues well as they “continue to raise cost living issues facing Canadians.”
Poilievre publicly thanked Jeneroux for his service and indicated the formal departure may not be immediate, telling him “all the best following your decision to step down as a member of Parliament next spring.”
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Jeneroux later clarified that his “exact date of departure will be determined at a later day,” suggesting it would be “this spring.”
Jeneroux, first elected in 2015 for Edmonton Riverbend, said he hopes to address the House one final time. He asked supporters “please not attempt to contact my family during this time.”
His exit will trigger a byelection once the seat is officially vacated. In April, he held the riding by five percentage points over the Liberal candidate. Should a Liberal be elected in the vacated seat, this will leave them one seat short from a possible majority.
Inside the Conservative caucus, party officials moved this week to discourage additional departures after d’Entremont joined the Liberal government. Former campaign manager Jenni Byrne has been involved in efforts to quell possible floor-crossings, according to party sources.
Information for this briefing was found via CBC and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
