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. Speaker, as Canada prepares to celebrate its 159th birthday, we have every reason to be proud of the country we call home. In Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes, that story is written into our landscape. The Rideau Canal helped build a young nation. The Thousand Islands became one of Canada's great treasures. Our farmers have fed Canadians for generations. In every major conflict
I expect that the version I've just presented verbally will be well received.
I don't have the motion in front of me, so I'll use your roll call as time to research.
Let's keep it.
What gaps do you think exist in the reporting requirements that limit public confidence in this as an effective tool to ensure transparency in government?
So the assessment or opinion of the commissioner is accepted wholly by the minister and by the department.
Chair, I have what I think will be a very quick motion to dispense with. I move: That, further to its statutory review of the Lobbying Act, the committee invite the President of the Treasury Board to appear before the committee for one hour with relevant Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat officials; and that Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat officials appear for an additional one hour.
I'm just not sure if we can panel them.