Michael Barrett
- Born
- 1984
- Political Experience
- Canadian member of parliament from Ontario
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering federal politics, Michael Barrett served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a telecommunications operator. After his military service, he reportedly worked in the private sector in logistics management. He also served as a municipal councillor in the Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal. According to his disclosures to the Ethics Commissioner, he has declared rental income from a property.
Key Relationships & Connections
As a prominent member of the Conservative Party, Michael Barrett is a key ally of party leader Pierre Poilievre. He has served in significant roles within the Conservative shadow cabinet, including as the Shadow Minister for Ethics and Accountable Government. This role places him in direct opposition to government ministers on files related to ethics, lobbying, and government spending. He was reportedly a supporter of Erin O'Toole during the 2020 Conservative leadership race.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
In 2021, the Ethics Commissioner investigated Michael Barrett after it was reported he wrote a letter to the CRTC in support of a radio station's license application. The owner of the company behind the application had donated to Barrett's constituency association. The Commissioner's report concluded that Barrett did not breach the Conflict of Interest Act. However, the Commissioner cautioned him about the perception of preferential treatment and advised him to avoid writing such letters in the future.
Public Controversies
In 2021, Michael Barrett faced controversy after being accused of having a staff member, who is also his wife, secretly record a virtual meeting with another MP from a different party. The incident was reported to the House of Commons administration for investigation. Barrett publicly stated that the recording was made because he was concerned about the MP's conduct during their meeting.
Where Michael falls on key policy spectrums
Your Money
People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
Michael Barrett won with 33,437 votes (50.0%)
Total votes cast: 66,811
How does Michael Barrett's voting record line up with your values?
Mr. Chair, It was the minister who said there would be a conflict of interest. Those were his words. Did that screen prevent the minister from participating in discussions about Alto in cabinet?
Prime Minister Mr. Chair, on September 10, 2025, the minister wrote a letter to the, saying that if he were involved in any decisions, discussions or debates related to the Alto project, he would be in a conflict of interest. Is that correct?
C-15 Mr. Chair, did the screen apply to Bill?
Mr. Chair, it has been more than an hour that the minister has been here, and he has said an awful lot of things but has not answered our questions, and that trend continues. C-15 Did the screen that the minister said was necessary to avoid a conflict of interest apply to clause 191 of Bill?
Mr. Chair, the minister told Canadians that he had a conflict of interest screen because he believed there would be one if he participated in debates, discussions, decisions or votes related to Alto, but the minister's department then hired an outside contractor for the budget who appears to have been connected to Alto. Did a conflict of interest screen apply to that contractor?
Mr. Chair, the contractor worked for Alto and then worked on the budget presentation that included details about Alto, and money and implementation legislation for Alto. Does the minister recognize that this is a conflict of interest, and were measures taken to prevent that? Was the Ethics Commissioner informed that this contractor was also concurrently employed by Alto?
Mr. Chair, we take all hon. members at their word in this place, and it was the hon. minister who said there would be a conflict of interest if he were involved in discussions, debates or decisions. Clause 191 contained the High-Speed Rail Network Act. That was Alto-related legislation. Is that true?
Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna Mr. Chair, I will be sharing my time with the hon. member for. The question is about the letter the minister wrote in September 2025. Will the minister table that letter in the House, and at the ethics committee when he appears on June 11?
Mr. Chair, this evening the minister has the opportunity to inform Canadians and the House about the conflict of interest he said he would be in if he participated in votes, decisions, discussions or debates on Alto. This is why the minister put in place a conflict of interest screen. Is that not correct?
Prime Minister Mr. Chair, it was the minister who said there would be a conflict of interest. The letter the minister provided to theshould be furnished. Because we know it was shared with media, it should certainly be shared with parliamentarians. Why did the ethics screen the minister put in place not prevent him from participating in discussions, decisions, debates or votes related to Alto?
C-15 Mr. Chair, on February 25, 2026, the minister voted on Motion No. 44, which would have deleted clause 191 from Bill. Is that correct?
Mr. Chair, it is unbelievable that the minister will not even confirm how he voted on the bill. He will not provide the letter that he wrote in which he said there would be a conflict. We just want to provide transparency for Canadians. If he has nothing to hide, he certainly should be able to provide to members of the House of Commons the letter that he shared with Toronto Star. Why will he not
Mr. Chair, I have made no allegation. I have only repeated what the minister has said. Regarding what we have asked, and indeed one of the minister's hon. colleagues asked me to repeat it outside the House, I am asking questions, and the questions are repeating exactly what the minister has said. Therefore, did Finance Canada hire an outside contractor to assist with the 2025 budget speech and
Mr. Chair, this is a different question. The question is about a contractor who worked on the budget speech. My understanding is that this is separate from your letter in September. It was a contract worth $12,168. I would encourage you to use your officials who are here in the chamber with you. The contract identified a vendor. The vendor's last name is Émond, and I am wondering if the minister