Mark Gerretsen
- Born
- June 5, 1975 — Kingston, Ontario
- Family
- Married to Vanessa, three children: Mason, Francesco and Vivian
- Education
- Bachelor's degree in economics from Queen's University; studied computers at St. Lawrence College
- Career
- Mayor of Kingston (2010-2014); Kingston City Councillor (2006-2010)
- Political Experience
- Kingston City Councillor (2006-2010); Mayor of Kingston (2010-2014); Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands (2015-present)
- Property
- Participant in Ontario's Microfit program with solar panels
- Notable
- Served as Chief Government Whip, Deputy Leader of the government in the House of Commons, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons (Senate). Voiced concerns about the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion. Publicly apologized for a gesture directed at another MP and retracted disinformation about a commentator.
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering federal politics, Mark Gerretsen served as the mayor of Kingston, Ontario. His professional background is in property development and management. According to disclosures made to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, he has financial interests in a property management company, Gerretsen and Associates Inc. He has also declared rental income from multiple properties located in Kingston.
Key Relationships & Connections
Mark Gerretsen has a significant family connection in politics. His father is John Gerretsen, a long-time politician who served as the mayor of Kingston, a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Kingston and the Islands, and held several cabinet positions in the Ontario Liberal government, including Attorney General and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
In 2018, the Ethics Commissioner investigated a complaint against Mark Gerretsen after he posted a video of a Conservative MP from a House of Commons committee meeting on social media for what were described as partisan purposes. The commissioner, Mario Dion, concluded that while the video was "highly partisan," it did not violate conflict-of-interest rules. The investigation found that Gerretsen did not use his position to improperly further his own private interests or those of his family or friends.
Public Controversies
Mark Gerretsen has been involved in several public controversies, often related to his use of social media. In one instance, he faced criticism for posting a video clip of Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner during a committee meeting, which some colleagues labelled as a partisan attack. In another widely reported incident, he directed a tweet at Conservative MP Candice Bergen, calling her a "piece of work." He later faced accusations of sexism and making unprofessional comments, for which he publicly apologized.
Where Mark falls on key policy spectrums
Your Money
People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
How does Mark Gerretsen's voting record line up with your values?
Mr. Speaker, I listened to the member's intervention, and the member spoke about children needing food, but I will reflect on the fact that she voted against the national school food program. I know that in Kingston, the national school food program funds the Food Sharing Project, which gives food to children in school. In Oshawa, it is Durham's Child Nutrition Project that does the same work.
Mr. Speaker, I find it interesting that the member was talking about the government questioning what it can do and how it can support Canadians. In her own riding, over $11 million was sent out to 22,901 recipients for the groceries and essentials benefit. We can talk about a two-line motion that produces nothing, really, other than perhaps some social media opportunities for the Conservatives,
Mr. Speaker, I would sincerely like to apologize to the member for interrupting him. I do know that from time to time many members of the House get excited when listening to others discuss stuff, and certainly I am not the first person to ever heckle, but it does not mean it was right. Therefore, I apologize to the member and certainly withdraw my statement.
Mr. Speaker, the member talked about the automotive sector in Canada being built on the concept of integration between Canada and the United States. I do not think there is anybody in the House who would disagree with that, but what I want to hear from the member is what his proposed solution is to this. Integration depends on both countries being interested in trade. What we have seen since the
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a Kingston icon and one of the most celebrated town criers in the world: our very own Chris Whyman. This year marks more than four decades since Chris first donned the regalia and stepped into the role of Kingston's official town crier in 1984. What began as a one-year appointment has become a remarkable career, representing our city with pride, humour and a
Mr. Speaker, I believe if you seek it, you will find consent to apply the results from the last vote to this vote, with Liberal members voting yes.
Elgin—St. Thomas—London South Prime Minister Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Moments ago, the member forissued a social media post that included the results of a vote that occurred earlier this afternoon in the House. He indicated in his post that thevoted against a motion. However, the Prime Minister did not even vote at all. He is not even in the country. Elgin—St. Thomas—London South
Mr. Speaker, I believe if you seek it, you will find consent among the parties to agree to switch the first two speaking spots between the Conservatives and the Liberals, with the understanding that all regular rules, including allotted time allocations for those spots, be provided accordingly with that switch.