David McGuinty
- Born
- February 25, 1960 — Ottawa, Ontario
- Family
- Married to Brigitte Bélanger and has four children
- Education
- Diploma in Agriculture from the Kemptville College of Agriculture, a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at the University of Ottawa, specialized diplomas in Civil and Comparative Law at Université de Sherbrooke in Quebec, a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Ottawa, and finally a Master of Laws at the London School of Economics and Political Science
- Career
- Environmental lawyer, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Prime Minister's National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy
- Political Experience
- MP for Ottawa South since 2004, chair of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) from 2017 to 2024, Minister of National Defence since May 2025
- Notable
- Brother of former premier of Ontario Dalton McGuinty and son of former MPP Dalton McGuinty Sr.
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering federal politics, David McGuinty had a career focused on environmental policy and law. He served as the President and CEO of the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE), a federal advisory body that provided policy advice to the government. His professional background also includes working as a lawyer in private practice and for the International Development Law Organization in Rome, Italy. His public disclosures have listed assets such as publicly traded securities and a rental property.
Key Relationships & Connections
David McGuinty is part of a prominent political family in Ontario. His older brother is Dalton McGuinty, who served as the 24th Premier of Ontario from 2003 to 2013. His father, Dalton McGuinty Sr., was also a Member of Provincial Parliament in Ontario. This family connection is one of his most well-known relationships in Canadian public life.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
In 2023, questions were raised about a potential conflict of interest regarding a trip David McGuinty took to Israel. At the time, he was the chair of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP). The trip was reportedly sponsored by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, a pro-Israel advocacy group. Critics and opposition members argued that accepting a sponsored trip from an advocacy group while chairing a sensitive national security committee created an appearance of a conflict of interest. McGuinty defended the trip as being for educational purposes.
Public Controversies
In 2012, David McGuinty faced a significant public controversy after making comments about Members of Parliament from Alberta. During a heated debate, he reportedly told Conservative MPs from the province to "go back to Alberta" and suggested they were "shills" for the oil industry. The remarks were widely condemned as divisive and inappropriate. McGuinty later issued a public apology for his comments and resigned from his role as the Liberal party's natural resources critic.
Where David falls on key policy spectrums
Your Money
People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
How does David McGuinty's voting record line up with your values?
Mr. Speaker, what the member is referring to is overall accountability and, for that matter, also compellability. The CEO of this Crown corporation could be brought before committee at any time. The board could be convened at any time. There would be opportunities to put tough, difficult and probative questions to them. There is no off-ramp with respect to the creation of the Crown in terms of
Mr. Speaker, my colleague is a former serving member of the forces, and I thank him very much for his service. What the member is really indicating is that we made a decision some 14 months ago to transform the Canadian Armed Forces in terms of investments, recruitment, retention and pay packages. Overall, as I mentioned, we made a 2% commitment to spending, $81 billion-plus over the next five
Mr. Speaker, I am aware of the continuing responsibilities the Coast Guard has in this regard. I would like to set the record straight, though. The Coast Guard was not transferred into the DND family as a result of our trying to hit a target. It was transferred into the DND family in order to provide security and intelligence functions in a more complete defence posture for the country.
Mr. Speaker, because this is the first time I have had an opportunity to address the House with respect to the incidents that occurred this past weekend, I want to say a few things about the tragedy that occurred in Wainwright. On Saturday afternoon, at CFB Wainwright, a violent, fast-moving fire broke out while soldiers were training on the range. Thirty-nine members of the Canadian Armed
Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, I would say to my colleague that the proposed Crown corporation will be accountable to Parliament through a new associate minister of national defence for procurement. This is exactly the case in several other allied countries in Europe, for example, in Great Britain. The government will establish a board of directors to oversee the agency's day-to-day management
Mr. Speaker, my colleague and I are in complete agreement with respect to the troops and our combined support and, I think, Parliament's support for the folks who are battling right now in our health care system and struggling for health. We wish them, of course, speedy recoveries. I want to begin perhaps by just going back to the first part of his question, which was about the distinction
Mr. Speaker, given the fact that this case remains under litigation, it is inappropriate for the government to involve itself in the matter. I have taken due note of the member's concerns, and I will take them back to my office.
Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Armed Forces is strengthened by the diversity of its traditions and the backgrounds and beliefs of its members. The policies to support diversity are a moral and ethical responsibility of the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service, the chief of the defence staff and CAF leadership. In their commitment to care for all, they have made a decision that the spiritual health and