Matt Jeneroux, the Edmonton politician and Conservative MP, has announced his resignation from the House of Commons. His departure may help the Liberals move closer to passing their budget without relying on support from other parties.
Jeneroux was considered a potential candidate to join the Liberals following Chris d’Entremont’s recent floor crossing earlier this week. However, Jeneroux’s resignation came with no clear explanation for his decision to leave federal politics.
Jeneroux submitted a letter on Thursday declaring his intention to resign but did not specify when he would officially vacate his seat. It remains uncertain whether he will participate in any votes related to this week’s budget.
If the Liberals fail to secure all three crucial votes on the budget, it could trigger another election.
On Thursday night, Jeneroux did not vote—neither in person nor virtually—on the Conservative subamendment to the budget motion, which was defeated by votes from the Liberals, Bloc, NDP, and Green Leader Elizabeth May.
“I want one last opportunity to address the House,” said Jeneroux, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre announced on X that Jeneroux would resign in the spring.
The Bloc amendment vote is scheduled for Friday, with the full budget motion to be presented to MPs in November. Jeneroux’s resignation will reduce the Conservative bench to 142 seats, while the Bloc holds 22, the NDP 7, and the Greens 1.
Matt Jeneroux’s resignation marks a significant shift that could influence the balance of power in Parliament as the Liberals navigate a tight budget vote.
Matt Jeneroux’s pending resignation could ease the Liberals’ path to budget approval by narrowing Conservative numbers, raising the stakes for upcoming parliamentary votes.