Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux to resign next spring, denies pressure or floor-crossing threats 

Alberta Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux says he plans to step down from Parliament next spring, though he insists the decision was not the result of pressure or coercion. In a statement shared with the media, Jeneroux said he originally ran in hopes of helping Canadians embrace the vision of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and had hoped to play a meaningful role in shaping that direction. He did not detail why he chose to resign, but indicated the outcome of his time in Parliament was not what he expected.
Poilievre thanked Jeneroux for his decade of service and acknowledged that the departure will take effect next spring.

The announcement comes amid days of speculation that Jeneroux was preparing to cross the floor to the Liberals. Although Jeneroux’s office firmly denied the rumours Wednesday, the media reports that he held discussions with senior staff from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office as recently as the same day. Two sources said the Liberal side believed he was planning to join them. According to a source close to Jeneroux, Conservative Party officials warned him there would be consequences if he left the caucus. Following that, his office issued a public statement declaring he would stay a Conservative. By Thursday, Liberals were still in contact, but sources say Jeneroux ultimately backed away over doubts about whether he could trust the party.

Jeneroux did not vote on Thursday’s budget confidence motion, which the Liberal government survived.
In a second statement posted later, Jeneroux rejected claims that he was pressured or threatened. He said his decision is based on a desire to spend more time with his family, and that he had “a great conversation” with Poilievre before confirming his spring departure. His resignation follows Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont’s decision earlier this week to leave the Conservatives and join the Liberals. D’Entremont said he no longer aligned with the direction of Poilievre’s leadership. Several Conservative MPs praised Jeneroux as a valued colleague and dismissed the rumours of coercion. Other MPs accused the media and Liberals of trying to politicize a personal decision. However, Liberal MPs argue the resignations suggest deeper discontent within Conservative ranks. They say the party has “shifted to the hard right,” leaving less room for moderate or progressive voices — and warn more departures may follow.