EDMONTON — Conservative-turned-Liberal MP Matt Jeneroux is under fire from constituents, former colleagues, and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre for defecting to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s caucus on February 18, 2026 — a move critics brand as outright betrayal.
Elected four times in the solidly Conservative Edmonton Riverbend riding, Jeneroux campaigned on affordable housing, safe streets, and a strong resource sector — core Conservative priorities he once sharply contrasted with Liberal policies. Yet months after announcing his retirement in November 2025 for “family reasons,” he reversed course, crossed the floor, and accepted a role as Special Advisor on Economic and Security Partnerships.
“He lied to us,” one local voter told Juno News, echoing widespread sentiment in the riding. Residents described the switch as “unconscionable” and a “complete rejection of democracy,” accusing Jeneroux of hijacking their votes without facing a by-election.
Poilievre wasted no time condemning the defection. “Matt Jeneroux has betrayed the people of Edmonton Riverbend who voted for affordable food and homes, safe streets, and a strong resource sector,” he posted on social media, slamming Carney for pursuing a majority through “dirty backroom deals” rather than an election.
This marks the third Conservative floor-crossing in recent months — following Michael Ma and Chris d’Entremont — pushing the Liberals to 169 seats, just shy of the 172 needed for a majority in the 343-seat House.
Online outrage has surged, with petitions demanding Jeneroux’s resignation or a forced by-election. Rebel News launched a campaign calling him a “traitor” who traded loyalty for power, while former Conservative MPs blasted his “lack of integrity” and “broken relationships.”
Jeneroux defends the move, citing Carney’s Davos speech and a “national unity crisis” as reasons he “couldn’t sit on the sidelines.” But in Alberta’s conservative heartland, the explanation rings hollow — fueling accusations of opportunism and eroding trust in the political system.
As calls for accountability grow, Edmonton Riverbend voters are left asking: When an MP switches teams mid-game, who really wins?
