Matt Jeneroux Defects to Liberals, Raising Carney’s Seat Count to 169
Updated (3 articles)
Defection Adds Third Conservative MP to Liberal Ranks On 18 February 2026 Alberta MP Matt Jeneroux, who has represented Edmonton Riverbend since 2015, announced via a social‑media post that he is joining the Liberal caucus, marking the third recent floor‑crossing from the Conservatives [1]. The move lifts the governing Liberals to 169 seats in the House of Commons, three short of the 172 needed for a majority [1]. Two vacant Toronto ridings and one vacant Montreal riding keep the Liberals from reaching a majority despite the gain [1].
Prime Minister Carney Assigns Advisory Role Prime Minister Mark Carney immediately appointed Jeneroux as a special advisor on economic and security partnerships, praising his “strong voice in international engagement and parliamentary diplomacy” [1]. The advisory position is intended to leverage Jeneroux’s experience in parliamentary diplomacy for Canada’s foreign‑policy agenda [1]. Carney’s announcement framed the defection as a strategic boost to the government’s international outreach [1].
Conservative Leader Poilievre Condemns Defection Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre denounced the switch as a “dirty backroom deal,” accusing Carney of attempting to seize a majority through underhanded tactics [1]. Poilievre claimed Jeneroux betrayed the voters of Edmonton Riverbend and warned that such moves undermine democratic accountability [1]. The criticism highlights ongoing tensions between the parties as the Liberals edge closer to a majority [1].
Jeneroux Cites Family Talks and WEF Speech In his statement, Jeneroux said holiday discussions with his family, colleagues and constituents, along with Carney’s World Economic Forum address urging middle powers to reject economic coercion, convinced him to change parties [1]. He emphasized that the WEF speech reflected a vision for Canada that aligned with his own views on economic independence [1]. The personal and policy motivations presented aim to legitimize his departure from the Conservatives [1].
Earlier Floor‑Crossings Linked to Poilievre’s Leadership The article notes that Chris d’Entremont and Michael Ma also left the Conservative Party late last year, citing dissatisfaction with Poilievre’s leadership [1]. Despite those defections, the Conservative caucus recently reaffirmed Poilievre’s leadership even as internal polls remain low [1]. These prior switches set a pattern of discontent that contextualizes Jeneroux’s move [1].
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Timeline
April 2025 – The federal election gives Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals a plurality with 47% of decided voters, while the Conservatives under Pierre Poilievre fall to 38% and lose the government; Poilievre also loses his long‑held Ottawa‑area seat, automatically triggering a party leadership review clause. [2][3]
Early 2025 (Davos) – At the World Economic Forum, Carney delivers a speech urging middle powers to reject economic coercion, a message that later influences MP Matt Jerenoux’s decision to cross the floor. [1]
Late 2025 – Conservative MPs Chris d’Entremont and Michael Ma defect to the Liberal caucus, citing dissatisfaction with Poilievre’s leadership and raising concerns about party unity. [1][2]
Jan 29 2026 – The Conservative Party schedules a leadership‑review vote for Friday, Jan 31, at its Calgary convention; party founder David Coletto says a result above 80 % will be deemed a success for Poilievre. [3]
Jan 31 2026 – Delegates at the Calgary convention give Poilievre 87.4 % support in the leadership review, a “resounding yes” that reaffirms his authority ahead of future elections. [2]
Jan 31 2026 – In an hour‑long convention speech, Poilievre pledges a “small government that serves people who have felt unseen for too long,” attacks Liberal policies on affordability, and warns of growing separatist sentiment in Alberta and Quebec. [2]
Jan 31 2026 – Poilievre wins a by‑election in Alberta, reclaiming his former seat with over 80 % of the vote, demonstrating personal popularity despite the party’s broader electoral setbacks. [2]
Feb 18 2026 – Alberta MP Matt Jerenoux announces his defection to the Liberal caucus, citing family discussions and Carney’s Davos address as decisive, and the prime minister appoints him as special advisor on economic and security partnerships. [1]
Feb 18 2026 – The Liberal government rises to 169 seats, three short of a majority because of vacancies in two Toronto ridings and one Montreal riding, keeping the minority status intact. [1]
Feb 18 2026 – Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre condemns Jerenoux’s move as a “dirty backroom deal,” accusing Carney of trying to seize a majority through underhanded tactics and saying the MP betrayed Edmonton Riverbend voters. [1]
Feb 18 2026 – Poilievre acknowledges Carney’s Davos speech as “well‑crafted and eloquently delivered” while maintaining a hard line against Liberal economic policies, signalling limited cooperation on a grocery‑tax rebate and bail‑reform measures. [3]