Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux announced on Thursday that he is stepping down from the House of Commons, dismissing rumors suggesting he planned to defect to the Liberals. For several days, speculation circulated that the Alberta MP might cross the floor, while Conservative insiders mentioned he faced some pressure to remain within the party.
A senior Liberal source confirmed that Jeneroux met with Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier in the week. However, Jeneroux firmly denied any outside influence on his decision to leave federal politics.
"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," he said in a statement.
His departure marks the second resignation from the Conservative caucus this week, following Nova Scotia MP Chris d'Entremont’s decision to join the Liberals on Tuesday. These moves present challenges for Pierre Poilievre's leadership and grant the minority Liberal government more room to advance legislation, such as the latest federal budget, through Parliament.
Jeneroux’s statement made only a brief mention of Poilievre. Later, through official party channels, a follow-up note shared with reporters stated that Jeneroux had spoken with the Conservative leader after his initial announcement and emphasized that his main motivation for stepping down was to dedicate more time to his family.
Matt Jeneroux resigns from the Conservative Party, rejecting claims of coercion and citing family priorities, amid political shifts strengthening the Liberals' minority government.