This is very disappointing.
Matt has been elected as a Conservative six times, twice provincially and four times federally, most recently less than a year ago.
A Liberal has never been elected in his riding. So this runs against the clear direction of his constituents.
It also contradicts his announcement ten weeks ago that he was resigning to “spend more time with his family.”
I have always regarded Matt as a good guy. But I hope he understands that these peculiar decisions will only increase public cynicism about politics. I also suspect he is going to have a hard time looking his constituents in the eye; and many of his new Liberal colleagues will wonder if he can really be trusted.
A cautionary note to the Carney government: partisan types love tactical cleverness, but regular people often read it as cynicism. NB: the Martin government’s inducements to floor crossers did not turn out well for them in the end.
I understand that MPs can change their views over time, and there can be legitimate reasons for deciding to change their parties. But IMHO, they owe it to their constituents to seek a mandate through a by-election if they decide to switch parties.
As Premier, I had the Alberta Legislature vote on the following motion to put MLAs on the record about this, should they later decide to change parties:
“Be it resolved that the Legislative Assembly express its opposition to the practice of Members changing their caucus affiliation unless that Member is to sit as an independent or has resigned and been returned to the Assembly after being re-elected in a by-election under the new affiliation.”
I would encourage the House of Commons to consider a similar motion.
I am honoured to welcome Matt Jeneroux to our caucus as the newest member of Canada’s new government.
Building a stronger, more resilient, and more independent country will require ambition, collaboration, and occasionally, sacrifice. I am grateful to Matt and his family that he will continue his service as a strong voice for Edmonton Riverbend in Parliament.
For more than a decade, Matt has been entrusted by Albertans to help shape a stronger future. He was first elected to Alberta’s Legislature in 2012 and to Canada’s Parliament in 2015 — earning four consecutive mandates in the House of Commons.
In Ottawa, he has taken on portfolios that are central to Canada’s economic strength, security, and national resilience — including as Shadow Minister for supply chains, innovation, infrastructure, health, and housing.
He is a strong voice in international engagement and parliamentary diplomacy, having served as Vice-Chair of the Canada-UK Interparliamentary Association and Founder of the Canada-ASEAN Parliamentary Group, and building direct working relationships with lawmakers across NATO, Europe, Asia, Africa, the United States and the OSCE.
As a new special advisor on economic and security partnerships, Matt’s leadership will contribute to strengthening Canada’s alliances and trade partnerships, advancing Canada’s leadership in global security cooperation, and building our strength at home.
The world has changed, and Canada must change with it. This is a time to come together — and together, we will build a stronger future for Edmonton, Alberta, and all Canadians.