Canada’s Conservative Party Loses Second MP in Three Days
On the evening of November 6, Alberta lawmaker Matt Jeneroux unexpectedly resigned from the House of Commons, surprising Ottawa. This marks the second Conservative Member of Parliament to leave the party within a week.
The resignation adds pressure on Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party and the main opponent of Prime Minister Mark Carney. The government faces a crucial budget vote following the release of the budget on November 4, which must be approved by the House or the government will collapse.
Matt Jeneroux did not provide reasons for his resignation in his social media statement and has not responded to requests for comment.
Jeneroux’s departure follows just two days after Chris d’Entremont, a Conservative MP from Nova Scotia, crossed the floor to join Carney’s Liberal Party. This defection increased the Liberals’ count to 170 seats, only two short of a parliamentary majority.
Political Context
- Matt Jeneroux resigned from the House of Commons on November 6.
- Chris d’Entremont defected from the Conservatives to the Liberals two days earlier.
- The Liberals now hold 170 seats, close to a majority in Parliament.
- The government’s budget vote is imminent and critical for its survival.
Implications
The recent losses weaken the Conservative Party’s position ahead of a vital budget vote, intensifying the challenge for Pierre Poilievre against Prime Minister Mark Carney's administration.
Author's Summary: Two recent resignations severely weaken Canada’s Conservative Party just before a crucial budget vote, increasing political pressure on party leader Pierre Poilievre.