The Conservative Party of Canada experienced two notable departures this month, raising questions about internal dynamics and media coverage. Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont, who had been with the Conservatives since 2019 and held various shadow cabinet roles, crossed the floor to join the Liberals following the release of the budget on November 4. D’Entremont revealed that he had been in discussions with the Liberals prior to the budget and cited a confrontation with Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer and Whip Chris Warkentin as a turning point. He stated, "What finally pushed him over the edge" was their angry response to his comments about potentially leaving the party. Initial reports suggested that d’Entremont’s assistant was physically confronted, but this claim was later retracted.

Just two days later, on November 6, Edmonton MP Matt Jeneroux announced his intention to leave the Conservative caucus in the future. Jeneroux, who has been a member since 2015 and held various shadow cabinet positions, maintained a low public profile and resides in Victoria with his family. His announcement, alongside d’Entremont’s departure, sparked significant media attention, particularly from outlets perceived as favorable to the Liberal Party. One column described the situation as "soap opera drama," while other reports highlighted the internal strife within the Conservative Party under leader Pierre Poilievre.

Media coverage of these departures contrasted sharply with past instances of MPs switching allegiances. For example, when former Liberal MP Leona Alleslev crossed to the Conservatives in 2018, she was portrayed as a hypocrite, with reports detailing her previous praise for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In another case, Quebec Liberal MP Joël Lightbound faced a more measured response when he criticized his government’s COVID-19 vaccine policies.

The media's tone often reflects the political implications of such defections. When the Liberals face a loss, coverage tends to balance the negative optics with potential future consequences. Conversely, Conservative losses are often met with a celebratory tone. This pattern raises questions about the objectivity of media narratives surrounding party dynamics and defections, particularly in light of more severe past controversies, such as the 2019 resignations of Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott from the Liberal cabinet, which received comparatively subdued coverage despite serious allegations of misconduct and corruption.