Ask Onix
Conservatives allege Liberal pressure tactics as two MPs exit
Senior Conservative leaders accused Prime Minister Mark Carney of using "undemocratic" backroom deals to poach MPs this week, after two lawmakers left the party-one defecting to the Liberals and another resigning amid speculation of a switch.
Matt Jeneroux, a Conservative MP from Alberta, announced his resignation on Thursday, citing family reasons. His departure followed rumors he might join Carney's Liberals. Meanwhile, Chris d'Entremont, a Nova Scotia MP, crossed the floor to the governing party on Tuesday, criticizing Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre's "negative" leadership.
'Backroom deals': Scheer accuses PM of majority-building tactics
Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer told reporters Friday that Jeneroux's exit was partly due to "Liberal pressure tactics," though Jeneroux later denied any coercion. Scheer dismissed media reports of meetings between Jeneroux and Carney's office, calling the PM's approach an attempt to "cobble together a majority through undemocratic means."
Carney, whose Liberals hold 161 of 338 seats-two short of a majority-publicly welcomed d'Entremont and signaled openness to further defections. "We'll speak to anyone publicly or otherwise who can support us," he said Wednesday.
Poilievre faces leadership scrutiny ahead of January review
The defections intensify scrutiny of Poilievre, who faces a leadership review in January. Critics blame his combative style for the Conservatives' April election loss, where he even lost his own Ottawa seat before winning a safe Alberta riding in an August by-election with over 80% support.
"I wanted desperately to play a role in [a Conservative government]," Jeneroux said in his resignation statement, calling the decision "not easy, but the right one."
Matt Jeneroux, former Conservative MP
Budget vote looms as Liberals seek cross-party support
The political turmoil coincides with the Liberals' push to pass their first budget, set for a mid-November vote. Without a majority, Carney's government must secure opposition backing or risk triggering a federal election. The Conservatives, now down to 114 seats, have not indicated whether they will support the fiscal plan.
Poilievre thanked Jeneroux on X (formerly Twitter) but did not address the defection rumors. Jeneroux's resignation takes effect next spring.
