Steven MacKinnon
- Born
- September 28, 1966 — Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
- Education
- Studied business at the Université de Moncton and Queen's University
- Career
- Senior Vice-President and National Practice Leader at a global public affairs consultancy firm (2007-2015)
- Political Experience
- Executive assistant and advisor to New Brunswick Premier Frank McKenna (1988 to 1995), Deputy National Director and National Director of the Liberal Party of Canada, MP for Gatineau since 2015, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement (January 2017), Chief Government Whip (2021), Minister of Labour and Minister of Seniors (July 2024), Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Minister of Jobs and Families (March 14, 2025), Minister of Transport (September 16, 2025)
- Notable
- Publicly explored a bid in the 2025 Liberal Party of Canada leadership election, but opted not to enter the race.
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before being elected to Parliament in 2015, Steven MacKinnon had a career in communications and political strategy. He was a senior vice president at Hill+Knowlton Strategies, a major public relations and government relations firm. In this role, he advised clients on navigating government processes. He also has deep roots within the Liberal Party's organizational structure, having previously served as the National Director of the Liberal Party of Canada. His professional background also includes time as an advisor to former New Brunswick Premier Frank McKenna.
Key Relationships & Connections
As a long-serving Liberal MP who has held senior roles, MacKinnon is considered a key member of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's team, particularly within the Quebec caucus. He has served as Chief Government Whip, a position that involves enforcing party discipline and requires a close working relationship with the Prime Minister's Office and the Government House Leader. He also served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, working closely with the ministers holding that portfolio. Through his previous role as National Director of the Liberal Party, he has established connections with senior party organizers and officials across the country.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
In 2017, the federal Ethics Commissioner investigated Steven MacKinnon over allegations of a potential conflict of interest. The investigation focused on a meeting he had as Parliamentary Secretary for Public Services and Procurement with a company that was a former client from his time as a lobbyist at Hill+Knowlton Strategies. The Commissioner's report concluded that while MacKinnon had not breached the Conflict of Interest Act, the situation created an appearance of preferential access. The Commissioner recommended that the rules be tightened to prevent such situations in the future. MacKinnon stated he followed all existing rules.
Public Controversies
In May 2018, Steven MacKinnon was involved in a physical altercation in the House of Commons. During a heated debate, he was accused by Conservative MP Chris Warkentin of elbowing him. The incident was captured on camera and led to a point of privilege being raised in the House. MacKinnon subsequently issued an apology in the House of Commons for the incident, stating, "I want to unreservedly apologize to my colleague... In the heat of the moment, in a scrum, I inadvertently made physical contact with the member... I regret it very much and I apologize unreservedly."
Where Steven falls on key policy spectrums
Your Money
People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
Steven MacKinnon won with 34,751 votes (60.5%)
Total votes cast: 57,399
How does Steven MacKinnon's voting record line up with your values?
Prime Minister Mr. Speaker, when thetravels, does the member know what happens? He brings back jobs. He brings back investment. He brings back opportunity for indigenous people to participate with equity in projects. He brings back technology. He brings back expertise. He brings back military and industrial benefits to Canada. Prime Minister Thetravels. Oh yes, he does, and do members know what
Mr. Speaker, we believe that criminals should be in jail. We believe that criminals should be prosecuted to the full— Some hon. members: Oh, oh!
Mr. Speaker, my colleague from Hochelaga—Rosemont‑Est just asked a highly relevant question. What is inflationary spending? The Conservatives tell us that our spending is making life harder for Canadians. However, people rely on dental care. People rely on the Canada child benefit. People rely on the GST rebate for groceries. Conservative MPs seem to object to these measures, but we cannot
Leader of the Opposition Mr. Speaker, do members know what Canadians are not talking about? It is whatever was written by thefor that member. Do members know what they are talking about? They are talking about the first-ever long-term contract for liquid natural gas off our west coast, a partnership with indigenous peoples, a partnership that lasts and a partnership with our allies, and that was
Mr. Speaker, early this morning, even before this MP or his colleagues rose to speak, Canada announced that we are back in the business of building military jets. We also announced that we are exporting liquefied natural gas to Europe. These are incredible partnerships with Europe. These are incredible partnerships that will create jobs and opportunities right here in Canada. That is how we will
Mr. Speaker, we believe that criminals should be prosecuted and jailed to the full extent of the law. We also believe that Canada has an obligation under international treaties to accept vulnerable people from war-torn and ravaged areas around this world. Every single Canadian I know, except perhaps that member, would give care to a vulnerable human being who arrives on Canadian shores and needs
Mr. Speaker, we know why this member asks all the questions. It is to save him writing the questions out for all the other members of the bench who do not get to ask the questions. While we are asking questions, when is that member going to answer why he would refuse saving Canadians thousands of dollars on child care? When is he going to justify his opposition to reducing taxes for Canadians?
Prime Minister Mr. Speaker, in the first year of this's tenure, we have the number one leading economy in the G7 for foreign investment. In this Prime Minister's first year, we have approved major projects. We have approved mines. We have approved building. We are training young Canadians, and we are building this country brick by brick. The blame Canada brigade can sit down and take a seat.
Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions among the parties and I believe you would find unanimous consent for the following motion: That, notwithstanding any standing order or usual practice of the House, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, during the debate on the business of supply pursuant to Standing Order 81(4)(a): (a) the time provided for consideration of the Main
Mr. Speaker, the minister has just gone through and, this Thursday, will again be going through extensive questioning. She will be defending results that have achieved incredible results in one year of government. We have reduced the number of temporary Canadians. We have reduced the number of asylum seekers. We have saved money for Canadians. The real question is why Conservatives are against
moved: That, in relation to Bill C-30, An Act to implement certain provisions of the spring economic update tabled in Parliament on April 28, 2026, not more than one further sitting day shall be allotted to the consideration at second reading stage of the bill; and That, 15 minutes before the expiry of the time provided for Government Orders on the day allotted to the consideration at second
It is good news, actually. leader Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, when we put things before this House that actually provide relief for Canadians, the member, at the absolute demand of her, stands up and votes against them. She votes against child care. She votes against a reduction in fuel taxes. She votes against dental care. She votes against training and opportunities for young people. When will