Floor-Crossing Liberal MP Matt Jeneroux to Join Prime Minister Carney on Asia-Pacific Trade Mission
OTTAWA — Matt Jeneroux, the newest Liberal MP who recently crossed the floor from the Conservative Party, has been selected to join Prime Minister Mark Carney on an upcoming high-profile trade delegation to India, Australia, and Japan. This announcement comes just days after Jeneroux officially joined the Liberal caucus, marking a significant political shift.
Provincial Leaders to Participate in India Segment
According to the Prime Minister's Office, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt will also be travelling for portions of the delegation's trip to India. Their participation underscores the cross-governmental approach to strengthening international trade relationships.
Jeneroux, who represents the Alberta riding of Edmonton Riverbend, has been appointed as a special advisor on economic and security partnerships. He will be travelling in this official capacity, leveraging his parliamentary experience to advance Canada's interests abroad.
Delegation Focused on Investment and Trade Goals
The Prime Minister's Office emphasized that all members of the delegation were chosen specifically for their roles in advancing Canada's investment and trade objectives during what they describe as "this important moment" in international relations.
Carney highlighted Jeneroux's qualifications last week when announcing his floor-crossing, noting his service as vice-chair of the Canada-United Kingdom Interparliamentary Association and his founding role in the Canada-ASEAN Parliamentary Group.
Ministerial Participation Across Multiple Countries
The delegation will include several key federal ministers:
- Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand
- Defence Minister David McGuinty
- Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne
- International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu
All four ministers will join Carney in India, with Champagne and McGuinty continuing on to Australia alongside Jeneroux. Both Jeneroux and McGuinty will then travel to Tokyo, Japan, completing the three-nation tour.
Second Defector to Join Prime Minister on Foreign Trip
This marks the second time Prime Minister Carney has included a Liberal MP who previously defected from the Conservatives on an international trip. Earlier this year, Michael Ma accompanied Carney on his visit to China.
A spokeswoman for the prime minister noted at the time that Ma brought "considerable experience building relationships between people, businesses and communities across the Indo-Pacific region" and represented a riding with one of Canada's largest Chinese-Canadian communities.
Ma was originally elected as a Conservative in last year's election but switched to the Liberals in December, following a similar path to Jeneroux.
Strategic Trade Diversification Amid Global Uncertainty
Carney's trip comes as Canada seeks to expand trading relationships and secure new investment opportunities while diversifying international relations. This strategic move responds to ongoing tariff and economic threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting the need for broader global partnerships.
"The Prime Minister will travel to Mumbai and New Delhi, India; Sydney and Canberra, Australia; and Tokyo, Japan to focus on expanding economic and business relationships, identify investment opportunities in Canada, and create new partnerships to benefit workers and businesses across our nations," stated an official release from the Prime Minister's Office.
The comprehensive itinerary reflects Canada's commitment to strengthening ties across the Asia-Pacific region through diplomatic engagement and economic collaboration at multiple levels of government.
