The Conservative Party is facing fresh turbulence after Edmonton Riverbend MP Matt Jeneroux announced his resignation, just days after another caucus member, Nova Scotia’s Chris d’Entremont, crossed the floor to join the Liberals.
In a heartfelt letter released Thursday, Jeneroux described his decision to step down as “not an easy one,” but said he believes it is the “right one.” He reflected on his time in Parliament with appreciation, expressing “great admiration” for MPs across party lines.
Jeneroux said he entered the last federal election with the hope that Canadians would place their trust in a Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre, and that he had “wanted desperately to play a role in that vision.” However, he noted that the political realities since then had led him to reassess his priorities.
“I hope I’ll have the opportunity to address the House of Commons one final time,” Jeneroux wrote, adding that his focus now turns to spending more time with his family.
His departure comes at a challenging moment for the Conservative caucus, which has seen growing internal strains highlighted by d’Entremont’s defection earlier in the week. The Nova Scotia MP’s decision to join the Liberals came just hours after the federal budget’s release, marking a significant political blow to the opposition party.
Jeneroux’s resignation leaves another vacancy for the Conservatives and adds to the sense of instability as Parliament heads into the winter session.