Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney edges closer to a parliamentary majority as Edmonton Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux becomes the third opposition member to switch parties in recent months, bringing Liberal seats to 169 out of 172 needed for control.

Political Shift in Alberta

Jeneroux, who has represented Edmonton Riverbend since 2015, announced his decision to join the Liberal caucus after what he described as family discussions over the holidays and conversations with constituents. The Alberta MP cited Carney’s recent World Economic Forum speech as the decisive factor, where the Prime Minister called for middle powers to reject economic coercion by great powers, widely interpreted as criticism of Trump administration policies.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre condemned the defection as betrayal, accusing Carney of attempting to seize majority control through backroom deals rather than an electoral mandate. Poilievre claimed Jeneroux abandoned voters who supported Conservative promises of affordable housing, safe communities, and strong resource sector development. The Conservative leader previously survived a party leadership vote despite declining personal poll numbers.

Pattern of Defections

Two other Conservative MPs preceded Jeneroux in crossing party lines: Chris d’Entremont from Nova Scotia and Michael Ma from Ontario switched to the Liberals late last year. Both cited concerns about Poilievre’s leadership style as motivation for their departures. D’Entremont suggested other Conservative members shared similar reservations about the party’s direction under current leadership.

Parliamentary Mathematics

The Liberal Party now sits three seats short of the 172 required for majority control in Canada’s House of Commons. Three vacant seats remain unfilled: two in the Toronto area following resignations of Liberal MPs Chrystia Freeland and Bill Blair, plus one Montreal-area seat awaiting a by-election after a contested one-vote margin. Carney announced Jeneroux would serve as special advisor on economic and security partnerships, praising his international engagement experience and parliamentary diplomacy skills.