A Conservative MP in Alberta has resigned from parliament but is not crossing the floor to the Liberals.
In a statement on social media Thursday night, Matt Jeneroux said there was no coercion in his decision to step away.
“I consider my colleagues in the Conservative Party very close friends, and I will miss them dearly,” said Jeneroux. “Since my resignation [Thursday] evening I had great conversation with Pierre Polievre who wished me all the best, as I do him.”
He said he ran under Polievre’s leadership in hopes that they could form a government that would offer hope to Canadians.
“I wish him and my collegues all the best as they continue to raise cost of living issues facing Canadians,” added Jeneroux.
Earlier Thursday evening in an official statement, Jeneroux said it was not an easy decision, but believes it is the right one.
“I ran in the last election hopeful that Canadians would put their faith in a team led by Pierre Polievre’s Conservatives, offering a chance to change Canada’s perception in our own country and around the world,” said Jeneroux. “I wanted desperately to play a role in that vision.”
He said although it was not the outcome he anticipated, he has admiration for many who were elected to the House of Commons.
“With all of this in mind, [Thursday] I spoke with our Opposition Whip – a colleague and friend for whom I have the utmost respect – to inform him of my decision to resign as a Member of Parliament.”
It comes just two days after Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government tabled Budget 2025 and Nova Scotia’s Conservative MP Chris d’Entremont crossed the floor to the Liberals.
That move brought Carney’s Liberal’s just two seats shy of a majority government.
Jeneroux said his focus is on his family and his departure date will be determined at a later date, but likely this spring.
