Matt Jeneroux takes part in a federal candidates panel on September 26, 2019, where he spoke with provincial ministers and elected officials from across Alberta. The discussion focused on federal issues affecting the province. National Post
Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux announced he will resign from Parliament, ending days of speculation that he planned to leave the Conservative Party and join the governing Liberals.
In a letter to Conservative Whip Chris Warkentin, the Edmonton Riverbend MP said he made the difficult choice to step away from federal politics, though he did not specify when his resignation will take effect.
“It was not an easy decision, but it is, I believe, the right one,” Jeneroux wrote. The letter expressed his appreciation for colleagues “on both sides of the aisle” but made little mention of party leader Pierre Poilievre.
A tough week for Conservatives
Jeneroux’s decision marks the second resignation from the Conservative caucus in just three days, following Chris d’Entremont’s defection to the Liberals earlier in the week. The sudden departures have added pressure to Poilievre’s leadership, just months before a scheduled leadership review in January.
The news also comes as the Liberals work to secure enough votes to pass their 2025 budget, while Conservatives try to recover from what has been one of their most chaotic weeks in recent memory.
With Parliament set to break next week, the resignations have left Conservative MPs returning to their ridings amid confusion and frustration.
Poilievre responds to Jeneroux’s exit
On social media, Pierre Poilievre thanked Jeneroux for his service, saying he will officially step down in the spring. “On behalf of our Conservative team, I wish you and your family all the best following your decision to step down as a Member of Parliament next spring,” Poilievre wrote.
Behind the scenes, Poilievre’s office had spent days addressing rumours that more MPs could cross the floor. Reports suggested Jeneroux had even met with Prime Minister Mark Carney before deciding not to switch parties.
A rumour-fuelled resignation
Jeneroux was noticeably absent from both caucus meetings and House proceedings earlier this week, which fueled speculation about his intentions. His office initially denied he planned to leave the party, calling the rumours false.
Later, in a Facebook post, Jeneroux confirmed his decision was personal and long planned. “Since my resignation this evening, I had a great conversation with Pierre Poilievre, who wished me all the best, as I do him,” he wrote. “This long-standing decision reflects my desire to spend more time with my family.”
In an internal email, Poilievre’s team said the MP’s family recently moved to Victoria, B.C., and that Jeneroux had always planned to leave politics to focus on family life. The ongoing speculation, they said, had simply “expedited his announcement.”
Reactions from colleagues
While d’Entremont’s switch to the Liberals drew anger from Conservatives, Jeneroux’s resignation received a calmer response. Many MPs praised his record of service and professionalism.
“It was a pleasure to serve with Matt Jeneroux, a strong and consistent advocate for his constituents,” said MP Garnett Genuis.
Whip Chris Warkentin added, “After 10 years as an MP and four as an MLA, Matt leaves a legacy of service to his community and our country.”
Looking ahead
The dual departures have deepened internal divisions for Poilievre’s Conservatives, coming as the party faces questions about unity and leadership direction. Despite the turmoil, party members publicly thanked Jeneroux for his decade of work in Parliament and wished him well.
For now, Jeneroux says his focus will turn to family life, closing a 10-year chapter in Ottawa politics.
