A top member of Canada’s Conservative opposition has accused Prime Minister Mark Carney of acting “undemocratically” by pressuring Tory MPs to join the Liberals, after two members left the Conservative caucus this week.
Alberta MP Matt Jeneroux resigned from Parliament on Thursday, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family. Before his announcement, there had been rumours he might switch sides and join the Liberals.
Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer told reporters that Jeneroux’s decision was partly due to “Liberal pressure tactics.” Another MP, Chris d’Entremont, crossed the floor earlier this week to join Carney’s Liberals.
Scheer denied media reports that Jeneroux had met with Carney’s office before resigning. He accused the prime minister of “trying to build a majority through undemocratic backroom deals and pressure tactics.”
The resignations have raised new questions about the strength of the Conservative Party and the future of its leader, Pierre Poilievre.
In his statement Thursday, Jeneroux said he entered the last election hoping the Conservatives would form government. “I wanted desperately to play a role in that vision,” he said, adding that stepping down “was not an easy decision, but the right one.”
Poilievre thanked Jeneroux on X (formerly Twitter) and said his resignation would take effect next spring. Later, Jeneroux clarified that “there was no coercion involved,” and that his choice was based on wanting more time with family.
Former MP d’Entremont said he joined the Liberals because he was frustrated with Poilievre’s “negative” leadership style, adding that others in the party “feel the same way.” Carney welcomed him, saying, “We’ll speak to anyone who can support us.”
Poilievre faces a leadership review in January after criticism that his combative style hurt the Conservatives in this year’s election. He lost his Ottawa seat but later won a by-election in Alberta with over 80% of the vote.
Meanwhile, the Carney government is focused on passing its first budget. The Liberals are two seats short of a majority, meaning they need support from other parties to move their plan forward. A failed budget vote could trigger another federal election later this month.
