Conservative MP joins Liberals, bringing Carney closer to a majority

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published February 18, 2026

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Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said former Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux will sit with the governing Liberals in the House of Commons, a move that puts the government within reach of a parliamentary majority.

Reuters reported the Liberals now hold 169 of 343 seats, three short of the majority thresholds. Three seats previously held by Liberals are currently vacant, and upcoming byelections could determine whether the government reaches the numbers needed to govern with less reliance on opposition support.

Jeneroux said the decision was driven by the need to respond to unprecedented pressures on Canada’s prosperity and sovereignty, while Carney has argued a majority would help the government react more effectively to U.S. trade measures, including tariffs.

Global News added that Carney appointed Jeneroux as a special advisor on economic and security partnerships. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre condemned the move and accused the government of seeking a majority through backroom dealings.