A Conservative MP from Alberta has crossed the floor to join the Liberal party.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday that Edmonton Riverbend MP Matt Jeneroux will sit with the Liberal caucus. Carney also appointed him special adviser on economic and security partnerships.
In a written statement, Carney pointed to the roles Jeneroux has held during more than a decade in Ottawa, including shadow minister for supply chains, innovation, infrastructure, health and housing.
“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,” Carney wrote. “He is a strong voice in international engagement and parliamentary diplomacy, having served as Vice-Chair of the Canada-UK Interparliamentary Association and Founder of the Canada-ASEAN Parliamentary Group, and building direct working relationships with lawmakers across NATO, Europe, Asia, Africa, the United States and the OSCE.”
Carney said Jeneroux’s experience will support efforts to deepen Canada’s alliances and expand trade relationships, “advancing Canada’s leadership in global security cooperation, and building our strength at home.”
I am honoured to welcome Matt Jeneroux to our caucus as the newest member of Canada’s new government.
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…
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) February 18, 2026
Jeneroux said he spent the holidays and early weeks of the year discussing with family how best to serve the country.
“For Canada, this is a moment that demands steady leadership, constructive collaboration between all Parliamentarians, and a willingness to stand up and serve even when the path is not easy,” he said. “The events of the past year, and even of recent weeks, have presented Canada with unprecedented new global pressures on our prosperity, and accelerated threats to our sovereignty and unity.”
Jeneroux had announced in November that he planned to resign, calling the decision difficult but necessary at the time.
On Wednesday, he said conversations with colleagues and constituents, along with reflection with his family, led him to remain in Parliament and continue the work he was elected to do, including strengthening the economy, lowering costs and improving national security.
“I will be working with Prime Minister Mark Carney as a part of his new government to help build our country’s strength as we face the challenges ahead.”
“This will support the national stability that Albertans and all Canadians need more than ever before. This work includes major nation-building projects and commitments in the new Canada-Alberta MOU.”
He said joining the Liberal party would also stave off a byelection and provide stability “at a time when Canadians are facing a more uncertain world.”
Mark Carney is trying to seize a costly Liberal majority government that Canadians voted against in the last election through dirty backroom deals.
Matt Jeneroux has betrayed the people of Edmonton Riverbend who voted for affordable food and homes, safe streets, and a strong…
— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) February 18, 2026
In a response to Jeneroux’s move to the Liberals, Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre released a statement stating that the Prime Minister is using “dirty backroom deals” to seize what he calls “a costly Liberal majority government that Canadians voted against in the last election.”
“Matt Jeneroux has betrayed the people of Edmonton Riverbend who voted for affordable food and homes, safe streets, and a strong resource sector,” Poilievre wrote. “Conservatives will continue our fight for a Canada that’s affordable, safe, and self-reliant.”
Jeneroux becomes the third Conservative MP to switch parties since the last general election. Chris d’Entremont joined the Liberal party in November and Michael Ma crossed the floor in December.
