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Why Matt Jeneroux’s Floor Crossing Makes Sense—Even If It Feels Wrong

When leaders dominate Parliament, switching parties is one of the few remaining acts of independence

Opinion writers aren’t meant to offer tepid defences of things. We’re meant to be strong and certain. I’ve always thought the admonition to be stupid, since some things thoroughly deserve a sort-of defence. Floor crossing is one of those things.

Last week, former Conservative member of Parliament Matt Jeneroux left his party to cross the floor to the Liberals. Previously, he said he would leave the Commons. His move strengthens the governing side’s standing in the legislature, putting them within reach of a majority and, in the meantime, buttressing their “working” equivalent of one. Since their election last year, the Liberals have maintained popular support, at once navigating and leveraging the threats from President Donald Trump and the United States against Canada’s economy—and sovereignty.

Jeneroux’s crossing marks the third departure from the blue to the red side in the life of this Parliament. As he left, observers drew their battle lines immediately. As always, differences of, ah, opinion were split between those who mark the switch as an act of conscience—and thus honour—or a betrayal, cynical and self-interested or otherwise.

Parties, including the Conservatives, who bemoan such a move, rarely remind us that when it’s them receiving a defector, the former explanation is a given. It’s all........

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