Feb 18, 2026 4:47 PM - Connect Newsroom - Ramandeep Kaur with files from The Canadian Press

Alberta Member of Parliament Matt Jeneroux has crossed the floor in the House of Commons, leaving the Conservative Party to sit with the Liberal caucus.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the move on social media Tuesday morning, saying he was honoured to welcome Jeneroux as the newest member of the government caucus. Jeneroux, who represents an Edmonton-area riding, had previously indicated he intended to resign his seat later this year.
The decision follows recent caucus changes in Ottawa. Earlier this month, Nova Scotia MP Chris d'Entremont also left the Conservatives to join the Liberals. At the time, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said Jeneroux planned to step down in the spring.
In a statement posted to his social media accounts, Jeneroux said he reconsidered after discussions with his family and concluded that the country requires what he described as steady leadership during a period of political uncertainty.
The shift comes as the Liberals remain short of a majority in the House of Commons. The party has recently faced internal changes, including the resignations of senior cabinet ministers Chrystia Freeland and Bill Blair, as well as a court decision overturning the result in a Quebec riding from the last federal election. Floor crossings can alter the balance of power in Parliament, particularly in a minority government setting where each seat can affect confidence votes and legislative outcomes.
Jeneroux’s move is expected to draw attention in Alberta, where Conservative support has traditionally been strong and where federal political alignment is closely watched by provincial leaders and voters.


