Front Burner Floor-crosser defects to surging Liberals
35 snips
Feb 19, 2026 
Aaron Wherry, CBC political journalist who analyzes federal politics, discusses a Conservative MP crossing to the Liberals. He covers the timing and reasons for the switch, how defections could push Liberals to a majority, the math behind upcoming by-elections, and what shifting allegiances mean for Pierre Poilievre and party dynamics.
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From Resignation To Floor Crossing
- Matt Jeneroux announced a resignation in November then resurfaced to cross to the Liberals after meeting with Mark Carney.
- He cited Carney's Davos speech and a desire not to sit on the sidelines as reasons for switching parties.
Carney Flies To Edmonton To Welcome Jeneroux
- Mark Carney flew to Edmonton and publicly welcomed Matt Jeneroux into the Liberal caucus.
- Carney framed the move as a unifying step and highlighted national and regional importance.
Three Ridings Decide A Potential Majority
- Two safe Liberal seats (University—Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest) plus one toss-up (Terrebonne) determine whether the Liberals reach a majority.
- The Supreme Court-ordered redo in Terrebonne makes that riding the decisive swing for a narrow majority.