Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux Crosses Floor to Join Liberals in Surprise Move
In a significant political development, Conservative Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Riverbend, Matt Jeneroux, has defected to the Liberal Party, marking the third such floor crossing from the Tory ranks in just three months. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday morning, February 18, 2026, shortly after 10 a.m.
Prime Minister Carney Welcomes Jeneroux to Liberal Caucus
Prime Minister Mark Carney took to social media platform X to formally announce Jeneroux's transition, expressing his honor in welcoming the MP as the newest member of Canada's government. "I am honoured to welcome Matt Jeneroux to our caucus as the newest member of Canada's new government," Carney stated in his post.
Carney emphasized the importance of collaboration and sacrifice in building a stronger nation, adding, "Building a stronger, more resilient, and more independent country will require ambition, collaboration, and occasionally, sacrifice. I am grateful to Matt and his family that he will continue his service as a strong voice for Edmonton Riverbend in Parliament."
Jeneroux Appointed as Special Advisor on Economic and Security Partnerships
In his announcement, Prime Minister Carney revealed that Jeneroux would be named "special advisor on economic and security partnerships," highlighting his role in international engagement and parliamentary diplomacy. This appointment comes after Jeneroux had previously announced in November 2025 his intention to step down from his seat in the House of Commons, a decision he described at the time as "not an easy decision" but one made to encourage support for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
Jeneroux's resignation announcement followed closely on the heels of Acadie-Annapolis MP Chris d'Entremont's defection to the Liberals in early November, amidst rumors that Jeneroux might make a similar move. His surprise crossing now brings the total number of Alberta MPs in the Liberal caucus to three, joining Calgary Confederation's Corey Hogan and Edmonton Centre MP Eleanor Olszewski, who serves as Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience.
A Pattern of Defections: Third Tory MP in Three Months
Jeneroux's defection is part of a broader trend, making him the third Conservative MP to cross the floor to the Liberals within a three-month span. The series began with Acadie-Annapolis MP Chris d'Entremont in early November, followed by Markham-Unionville MP Michael Ma approximately a month later. This pattern underscores shifting political allegiances in the federal landscape.
Matt Jeneroux's political career has been marked by both victories and setbacks. He first entered politics in 2012 when he was elected as an Alberta MLA for the Progressive Conservative party in Edmonton South West. However, he lost his seat in the 2013 election during Alberta's dramatic "Orange Crush" that saw the Alberta NDP upset the Progressive Conservatives.
Undeterred, Jeneroux successfully transitioned to federal politics, winning the election later that year to represent Edmonton Riverbend for the Conservative Party of Canada. He went on to secure re-election in the subsequent three federal elections, maintaining his position as a Tory MP until this recent defection.
The move has sparked discussions about the implications for party dynamics and voter confidence in the lead-up to future elections, as the Liberal caucus continues to grow with these high-profile additions from the Conservative ranks.
