More than 300 MPs have crossed the floor since Confederation

Alberta MP Matt Jeneroux left the Conservative caucus to join the Liberals, adding one seat to the Liberal count in the current minority Parliament. Historically, more than 300 members of Parliament have changed party affiliation while in office since 1867.

Alberta MP Matt Jeneroux has left the Conservative caucus to join the Liberal caucus. The move adds one seat to the Liberals in the current minority Parliament. The Liberals remain three seats short of a functional majority after recent resignations and a court decision. Over Canada’s history, more than 300 MPs have changed party affiliation while serving in Parliament. Key facts: - Matt Jeneroux announced he crossed from the Conservative Party to the Liberal caucus. - The change increases the Liberals' seat count by one in the current minority Parliament. - The Liberals are three seats short of a functional majority after resignations by Chrystia Freeland and Bill Blair and a Supreme Court ruling that overturned last spring's Terrebonne result. - Two other MPs recently left the Conservative caucus for the Liberals: Chris d'Entremont and Michael Ma. - Library of Parliament records show more than 300 MPs have switched parties since 1867, with about 80 switches in the last 25 years often occurring after leadership changes or party reorganizations. Summary: The recent defection alters the immediate seat balance in a minority Parliament and adds to a long pattern of party switching in Canadian federal politics. Undetermined at this time.