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Mark Gerretsen
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Mark Gerretsen
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Mark Gerretsen MP (born June 5, 1975) is a Canadian politician who is the Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands as a member of the Liberal Party of Canada. He was first elected in the 2015 federal election, and re-elected in 2019, 2021 and 2025.[2] He currently serves on the Standing Committee for Procedure and House Affairs and is the former Chair of the Ontario Liberal Caucus.[3]

Key Information

Gerretsen currently serves as Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. He previously served as the Parliamentary secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, a position he held effective December 3, 2021. Prior to his election to the House of Commons, Gerretsen served as Mayor of Kingston from 2010 to 2014.

Early life and career

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Gerretsen was born in Kingston, Ontario, the son of Assunta (Garofalo) and John Gerretsen.[4] His father was mayor of Kingston and a MPP for Kingston and the Islands, and held several positions in the cabinets of Premier Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne. His father was born in Hilversum, Netherlands, and his mother emigrated from San Bartolomeo in Galdo (Benevento) Italy to Kingston in 1956.[5] Gerretsen holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Queen's University and studied computers at St. Lawrence College. Gerretsen was first elected to Kingston City Council in 2006, where he represented the Portsmouth District. After completing his four-year term as City Councillor, Gerretsen served as Mayor of Kingston from 2010 to 2014.

Municipal politics

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As Mayor, Gerretsen worked alongside the City of Kingston and municipal leaders across Ontario, advancing issues such as payments in lieu of taxes, the integration of social services, and increased investment in local infrastructure and affordable housing. Gerretsen also oversaw the creation of the Mayor's Task Force on Development to improve customer service for residents, and the development of an Age-Friendly Plan focused on making Kingston more senior-friendly.

In 2012, Gerretsen was elected to represent the City of Kingston on the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Board of Directors. As a member of the Large Urban Mayor's Caucus of Ontario (LUMCO), Gerretsen worked with municipal leaders across Ontario advocating for increased investments in local infrastructure and affordable housing.

Gerretsen gained some notoriety in 2013 when he voiced his displeasure regarding the street partying that occurs during Queen's University's Homecoming. The event had taken a five-year hiatus due to rowdy behaviour and significant costs to the municipality for policing and clean up, and Gerretsen had reservations about the event's return. Gerretsen visited Aberdeen Street that weekend to assess the situation. He tweeted directly to Queen's Principal Daniel Woolf: “I am standing at William and Aberdeen. I have two words for you: NOT GOOD”. The “NOT GOOD” phrase was, in turn, used by Queen's University students and publicized in a number of memes at the Mayor's expense.[6]

Federal politics

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Gerretsen was first elected as a Member of Parliament in the 2015 federal election, replacing first-term Liberal MP Ted Hsu, who chose not to seek re-election. Gerretsen defeated Conservative candidate Andy Brooke by over 21,000 votes and earned 55.37% of the ballots cast.

In his first term in federal office, Gerretsen served on the Standing Committee for National Defence, and was elected as Chair of the Ontario Liberal Caucus. Gerretsen was also a member of the Standing Committee on the Environment and Sustainable Development for two and a half years.

Throughout 2015–2019, Gerretsen was able to obtain federal funding for many initiatives in Kingston and the Islands. Some of these investments included $1 million for Breakwater Park and Gord Downie Pier,[7] $42 million for public transit, $31 million for new ferry vessels and $60 million for the Third Crossing.[8]

Gerretsen's Private Members Bill, Bill C-243, The National Maternity Assistance Program Strategy, aimed to introduce amendments to the Employment Insurance Act to create a national maternity assistance program for women who are unable to work during their pregnancy and was based on the first-hand experience of a constituent in his riding.[9] Gerretsen's Private Members Bill was introduced to the House of Commons on February 26, 2016. After passing second and third reading in Parliament, on October 26 and June 14, 2017, respectively, Gerretsen's Private Members Bill was brought to the Senate for first reading on June 14, 2017. When Parliament dissolved in the summer of 2019, Bill C-243 was at the Senate for third reading.[10]

Gerretsen supports many Liberal policies, but sometimes voices his concerns with the direction the government takes on various files. As a strong environmental proponent, Gerretsen openly spoke against the Government's decision to expand the Kinder Morgan pipeline. In June 2018, Mark was one of three Liberal MPs who voted in favour of a motion proposed by the New Democratic Party to stop the project.[11]

In 2019, Gerretsen was re-elected as Member of Parliament.[12] Currently, Gerretsen is Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons (Senate), as well as a member of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs.[13]

On September 19, 2024, Gerretsen issued a public retraction for spreading disinformation about commentator Kat Kanada and announced that he was making a personal donation to a charity chosen by her.[14]

Personal life

[edit]

Gerretsen and his wife Vanessa live in Kingston's east end with their three children Mason, Francesco and Vivian.

Environment

[edit]

While Mayor of Kingston, Gerretsen oversaw the launch of Sustainable Kingston, an organization launched by the city as a non-profit to support Kingston in achieving the vision of becoming Canada's most sustainable city. Gerretsen was also Mayor of Kingston when the City converted all street lights to LED.[15]

Personally, Gerretsen was an early participant in the province of Ontario's Microfit program aimed at encouraging homeowners to install solar panels to feed electricity back into the grid. Gerretsen and his wife, Vanessa, have been driving electric vehicles since 2012.

Electoral record

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Federal

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2025 Canadian federal election: Kingston and the Islands
** Preliminary results — Not yet official **
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Liberal Mark Gerretsen 48,544 62.23 +22.54
Conservative Bryan Paterson 23,602 30.74 +6.19
New Democratic Daria Juüdi-Hope 3,612 4.70 –24.10
Green Fintan Hartnett 1,018 1.33 –1.13
Total valid votes/expense limit
Total rejected ballots
Turnout 76,776 71.76
Eligible voters 106,997
Liberal notional hold Swing +8.18
Source: Elections Canada[16][17]
2021 Canadian federal election: Kingston and the Islands
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Liberal Mark Gerretsen 27,724 41.07 -4.69 $112,202.25
New Democratic Vic Sahai 19,775 29.29 +6.04 $62,595.17
Conservative Gary Oosterhof 16,019 23.73 +4.22 $81,382.35
People's Shelley Sayle-Udall 2,314 3.43 +0.83 $4,795.67
Green Waji Khan 1,673 2.48 -6.41 $12,283.32
Total valid votes/expense limit 67,505 99.35 – $124,484.67
Total rejected ballots 445 0.65 -0.05
Turnout 67,950 67.01 -2.41
Eligible voters 101,401
Liberal hold Swing -5.37
Source(s)
"Official Voting Results". Elections Canada. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
2019 Canadian federal election: Kingston and the Islands
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Liberal Mark Gerretsen 31,205 45.8 -9.37 $61,590.05
New Democratic Barrington Walker 15,856 23.3 +6.39 none listed
Conservative Ruslan Yakoviychuk 13,304 19.5 -3.5 none listed
Green Candice Christmas 6,059 8.9 +4.19 none listed
People's Andy Brooke 1,769 2.6 none listed
Total valid votes/expense limit 68,193 100.0
Total rejected ballots 484
Turnout 68,677 70.5
Eligible voters 97,364
Liberal hold Swing -7.88
Source: Elections Canada[18][19]
2015 Canadian federal election: Kingston and the Islands
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Liberal Mark Gerretsen 36,421 55.37 +15.35 $146,934.43
Conservative Andy Brooke 14,928 22.70 -11.36 $97,596.78
New Democratic Daniel Beals 11,185 17.01 -4.61 $44,779.89
Green Nathan Townend 2,933 4.46 +0.15 $7,750.70
Libertarian Luke McAllister 305 0.46 – –
Total valid votes/Expense limit 65,772 100.00   $230,365.62
Total rejected ballots 242 0.37 –
Turnout 66,014 73.36 –
Eligible voters 89,990
Liberal hold Swing +13.36
Source: Elections Canada[20][21]

Municipal

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Kingston Mayoral Election, 2010 [1] Vote %
Mark Gerretsen 17,096 56.41
Rob Matheson 6,905 22.78
Barrie Chalmers 5,486 18.10
John Last 377 1.24
Nathaniel Wilson 227 0.75
Kevin Lavalley 215 0.71

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mark Gerretsen

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from Grokipedia
Mark Gerretsen (born June 5, 1975) is a Canadian politician serving as the for Kingston and the Islands, representing the , since his election in 2015. He previously held municipal office as a Kingston city councillor and as the city's 59th mayor from 2010 to 2014. In May 2025, Gerretsen was appointed Chief Government Whip, a role involving coordination of and legislative strategy in the . Born and raised in , he is the son of John Gerretsen, a longtime provincial politician who served as an MPP and cabinet minister. Gerretsen earned a degree in economics from Queen's University and studied computer engineering at St. Lawrence College before entering public service. As MP, Gerretsen has prioritized local initiatives, including successfully advocating for the reopening of farms in the Kingston area and obtaining funding for infrastructure such as a third bridge crossing to alleviate . His tenure has also encompassed committee work on issues like public accounts and government operations, alongside partisan efforts to advance Liberal priorities on and community projects in . While commended for constituency representation, Gerretsen's record includes controversies, such as a 2023 House of Commons exchange perceived as confrontational and a 2024 public retraction for disseminating unverified claims about a commentator, prompting a donation to charity. These incidents highlight tensions in his enforcement of party lines amid polarized parliamentary debates.

Early life and education

Family background and upbringing

Mark Gerretsen was born on June 5, 1975, in , into a family with deep roots in the city's political landscape. His father, John Gerretsen, was a prominent Liberal politician who served as a Kingston city councillor starting in 1972, mayor in the 1980s, and later as a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) and cabinet minister. His mother, Assunta Gerretsen, returned to school during the children's early years to pursue further education. Gerretsen grew up with an older sister, who became a social worker and maintained an apolitical stance, and a younger brother, who leaned left politically and later worked in the film industry in . The family resided in Kingston, where political discussions became a regular feature of home life as the children matured, often involving lively debates influenced by the siblings' differing views—Mark initially leaning conservative against his brother's more progressive outlook. From a young age, Gerretsen was immersed in public life due to his father's career, frequently attending municipal events at venues like City Hall and Memorial Hall, which exposed him to and . Family activities included routine outings such as swimming at Artillery Park and playing soccer with his father, fostering a sense of local involvement and normalcy amid the political backdrop. His parents emphasized individual paths, supporting the children's pursuits without imposing political expectations, though the household's exposure to shaped Gerretsen's early worldview.

Formal education and early influences

Gerretsen obtained a in from Queen's University in . He subsequently studied at St. Lawrence College. These academic pursuits equipped him with analytical skills in and technical expertise in , which he later referenced as foundational to his approach in roles. Early entrepreneurial endeavors during his years, such as buying wholesale cases of soft drinks to resell at football games, reflected an initial interest in business initiative that complemented his formal economic training.

Pre-political career

Professional experience in Kingston

Gerretsen founded and managed GP Property Management Inc., a real estate firm based in Kingston, Ontario, where he served as president, secretary, treasurer, and director. The company operated from 1997 until at least January 2022, handling property management services in the local market during the period preceding his entry into municipal politics in 2006. This entrepreneurial venture constituted the primary component of Gerretsen's pre-political professional activities in Kingston, aligning with his degree from Queen's University and reflecting in the real estate sector amid the city's rental housing dynamics. No other substantive professional roles in Kingston prior to 2006 are documented in available records.

Involvement in local community organizations

Prior to entering municipal politics, Mark Gerretsen owned and operated Gerretsen Construction Ltd., a Kingston-based firm specializing in the construction industry, which he established following his graduation with a degree in economics from Queen's University. The company functioned for approximately 20 years, contributing to local residential and commercial building projects amid Kingston's economic landscape. In the early 2000s, Gerretsen participated in discussions with contacts at the Kingston Economic Development Corporation, a quasi-public entity promoting regional growth, reflecting early ties to community economic initiatives.

Municipal politics

2006 mayoral election and victory

Mark Gerretsen entered municipal politics in the 2006 Ontario municipal elections, held on November 13, 2006, when he was elected as councillor for Kingston's District. This victory represented his first successful run for public office, defeating other candidates to secure the position on Kingston City Council. As a newcomer without prior elected experience, Gerretsen's campaign focused on local issues pertinent to the area, leveraging his lifelong residency in Kingston and family background in public service—his father, John Gerretsen, having served as a provincial minister. The occurred amid broader discussions in Kingston on , including the controversial K-Rock Centre , though races emphasized district-specific concerns like and fiscal responsibility rather than citywide mayoral debates dominated by the arena's and viability. Gerretsen's win positioned him to contribute to decisions during Harvey Rosen's mayoral tenure, building a foundation for his subsequent 2010 mayoral bid. Specific vote tallies for the Portsmouth race were not widely archived in contemporary reports, but his marked the start of a four-year term focused on enhancing local services and economic opportunities.

Mayoral tenure (2006–2010): Achievements and challenges

Gerretsen served as a on Kingston City Council from December 2006 to November 2010, representing the Portsmouth District. During this initial foray into municipal politics, he participated in council proceedings under Mayor Harvey Rosen, addressing district-specific concerns such as and local infrastructure in the area, though detailed individual contributions to major policy outcomes remain sparsely recorded in available municipal archives. No major controversies or personal challenges were publicly associated with Gerretsen's tenure, which positioned him for a successful transition to the mayoral race in , where he campaigned as a one-term emphasizing continued local . His service helped build visibility within Kingston's political landscape, leveraging family ties to provincial politics—his father John Gerretsen held cabinet positions including Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing from 2003 to 2007—but without evidence of or ethical issues arising.

Post-mayoral activities and transition to federal ambitions

In August 2014, Gerretsen announced he would not seek re-election as in the October 27 municipal vote, opting instead to pursue the federal Liberal Party nomination for Kingston and the Islands following incumbent MP Ted Hsu's decision not to run again. His term concluded on November 30, 2014, with Bryan Paterson succeeding him as after securing 37% of the vote. Gerretsen's pivot to federal politics leveraged his local profile and family legacy—his father, John Gerretsen, had served as an Liberal MPP and cabinet minister—but drew mixed reactions, with some local observers questioning the timing amid ongoing municipal priorities like and development. Between December 2014 and the federal nomination process, Gerretsen focused on organizing within the riding's Liberal association, emphasizing his experience in economic development and from municipal service. No indicate formal employment during this roughly 11-month interval; his efforts centered on building support for the October 19, 2015, election. Securing the nomination unopposed, Gerretsen campaigned on themes of middle-class support, infrastructure investment, and , ultimately winning 47.8% of the vote to enter . This transition marked a direct shift from local to national office, bypassing provincial politics despite his father's path, and positioned him as a continuity candidate in a traditionally competitive riding.

Federal political career

2015 federal election and entry to Parliament

Gerretsen sought the Liberal nomination for the Kingston and the Islands riding in August 2014, leveraging his experience as former mayor of Kingston to position himself as a focused on local economic growth and community representation. The 42nd Canadian federal election occurred on October 19, , amid a national Liberal surge under leader , which capitalized on voter dissatisfaction with the incumbent Conservative government after nearly a in power. Gerretsen secured victory in a landslide, obtaining 36,421 votes or 55.4 percent of the valid ballots cast in the riding, more than double the votes of his nearest rival, Conservative candidate Andy Brooke. Voter turnout in the district rose to between 68 and 73 percent, up from 63.9 percent in the previous 2011 election. The full results were as follows:
CandidatePartyVotesPercentage
Mark GerretsenLiberal36,42155.4%
Andy BrookeConservative14,92822.7%
Daniel BealsNew Democratic11,18517.0%
Nathan Townend2,9334.5%
Luke McAllisterLibertarian3050.5%
This outcome extended the Liberal Party's unbroken hold on the seat since its creation in , though the 2015 margin represented a significant expansion from the narrow 2011 win by incumbent Liberal , who chose not to seek re-election. Gerretsen's success was attributed in local reporting to the alignment of his personal brand with Trudeau's national appeal and the Liberal platform's emphasis on middle-class relief and . Following his election, Gerretsen was sworn in as the for Kingston and the Islands on October 19, 2015, entering the as part of the newly formed 42nd Parliament and the Liberal majority government. His entry marked a continuation of family political involvement, as the son of longtime Ontario provincial politician John Gerretsen. In initial statements, Gerretsen expressed enthusiasm for contributing to the federal Liberal agenda while prioritizing Kingston-specific issues such as waterfront development and university partnerships.

Parliamentary roles and committee assignments (2015–2025)

Gerretsen was first elected as the Liberal for Kingston and the Islands in the 2015 federal election and re-elected in 2019, 2021, and 2025. Initially, he served on the Standing Committee on Environment and , appointed in February 2016, where he participated in examinations of and initiatives for approximately two and a half years through 2019. He also served on the Standing Committee on National Defence during this early period, contributing to reviews of defence , military readiness, and veterans' issues. From 2015 to around 2019, Gerretsen acted as Chair of the Ontario Liberal Caucus, coordinating regional party strategy and supporting Liberal priorities in the . In January 2021, following the 43rd Parliament's resumption, he was appointed to the Leader of the Government in the , a role he held through at least 2023, assisting with legislative scheduling, government business management, and announcements on federal programs such as passport services and infrastructure funding. In December 2021, Gerretsen joined the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs as a member, serving until at least March 2025, focusing on parliamentary rules, elections, and House administration matters. He was appointed to the Board of Internal Economy in October 2023, overseeing financial policies, members' budgets, and administrative expenditures. In May 2025, Prime Minister named him Chief Government Whip, responsible for enforcing , ensuring attendance for votes, and managing Liberal caucus cohesion in the 45th Parliament.

House leadership positions and party discipline enforcement

Gerretsen served as to the Leader of the Government in the starting in 2021, assisting with procedural matters and coordination of government business in the chamber. In this capacity, he supported the House leader in managing the legislative agenda, including scheduling debates and ensuring alignment among Liberal MPs on key votes. On September 16, 2023, Gerretsen was appointed Deputy Government House Leader, a role in which he aided the primary House leader in strategy and collaborated closely with the Chief Government Whip to maintain cohesion. This position involved facilitating negotiations with opposition parties and monitoring attendance to secure government priorities, particularly amid the Liberal minority government's reliance on external support for passing . Gerretsen advanced to Chief Government Whip on May 14, 2025, following the appointment by , becoming the principal enforcer of within the Liberal . In this senior leadership post, his responsibilities encompassed rallying MPs for votes, distributing committee assignments, and applying pressure to ensure adherence to the government's legislative directives, a task rendered complex by the ongoing minority parliament where even small defections could derail bills. For instance, during a June 3, 2025, vote on an opposition to the , the government fell short 166-164 after four Liberal MPs abstained via pairings; as whip, Gerretsen maintained that no procedural errors occurred, attributing the outcome to standard parliamentary pairings rather than lapses in discipline. This episode highlighted the challenges of enforcement in a fragmented , where Gerretsen emphasized consensus-building over punitive measures to sustain government operations.

Response to 2024–2025 Liberal leadership crisis

Gerretsen remained a steadfast supporter of amid mounting internal pressures on the Liberal leader, which intensified following Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's resignation on December 16, 2024. Unlike some Liberal backbenchers who publicly urged to step down earlier, such as MP Wayne Long in June 2024, Gerretsen refrained from such calls and instead emphasized 's achievements. Following 's announcement on January 6, 2025, to resign as party leader once a successor was chosen, Gerretsen described the decision as "bittersweet," acknowledging the vocal public criticism endured but asserting that positive contributions would endure in historical memory. In a post on the same day, Gerretsen publicly thanked for his "years of dedication and service" to , framing the outgoing prime minister's tenure as one of committed leadership despite fiscal challenges, including a national debt increase exceeding $600 billion during Trudeau's time in office. Gerretsen predicted that "history will be kind" to Trudeau, citing accomplishments in areas like and , while downplaying contemporary dissent as transient. This stance aligned with his role as a party loyalist, contrasting with broader divisions that contributed to . Gerretsen later reflected on the leadership transition in a January 10, 2025, , stating that Trudeau's resignation was "not surprising" given the political context, but he focused on the prime minister's legacy rather than critiquing internal dynamics or potential successors. No endorsements from Gerretsen for candidates in the ensuing 2025 Liberal leadership race—such as , who ultimately won—have been documented, suggesting he prioritized caucus unity over factional advocacy during the contest. Following the leadership change and the April 28, 2025, federal election, which resulted in a Liberal , Gerretsen was appointed Chief Government , a position entailing enforcement of in the .

Policy positions

Environmental and climate policies

Gerretsen regards anthropogenic as the foremost challenge of the and has positioned himself as a vocal proponent of federal environmental initiatives. In parliamentary interventions, he has explicitly affirmed the reality of climate change and its primary causation by human activities, critiquing opponents who question these premises. A cornerstone of his advocacy is support for carbon pricing, including the federal consumer implemented in 2019 and its accompanying Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR). In January 2025, he publicly highlighted the CCR's quarterly payments to households in Kingston and the Islands, describing them as a mechanism to offset costs while incentivizing emissions reductions. Earlier, in June 2019, Gerretsen accused Conservative critics of endangering future generations by opposing the policy, arguing it was essential for curbing greenhouse gases. He has defended the rebate's structure, noting that jurisdictions like avoided the tax by meeting independent emissions benchmarks. Gerretsen endorses the Liberal government's broader emissions reduction framework, including a commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 through measures such as clean electricity regulations and investments in low-carbon technologies. In 2022, he backed Bill C-30, which aimed to strengthen climate accountability via five-year emissions targets. During the April 2025 federal election campaign, he outlined the Liberal platform's intent to accelerate emissions cuts beyond prior trajectories, emphasizing a "unifying, credible" approach. He has also promoted ecosystem restoration, citing over $12.2 million invested in 22 projects as of June 2024. In line with , Gerretsen announced federal funding in February 2024 for critical minerals processing, which supports supply chains for electric vehicles and storage. He has welcomed advancements in clean energy, including new nuclear projects in highlighted in his October 2025 updates, as complementary to decarbonization efforts. In September 2025, he reiterated that combating remains a top priority, aligning with reports from the Canadian Climate Institute on transition pathways.

Economic and fiscal views

Gerretsen evaluates federal fiscal health primarily through the rather than insistence on balanced budgets or absolute deficit reduction, noting that Canada's of one million people since has expanded the economic base to sustain and services while bolstering long-term revenues. In a June 8, 2022, House of Commons debate on the Budget Implementation Act, he argued this metric accounts for demographic realities that Conservatives overlook in their deficit critiques, accusing their 2021 platform of proposing even larger short-term deficits. He supports targeted government interventions to mitigate economic shocks, such as potential U.S. tariffs, including financial aid, temporary tax relief for impacted businesses, and public investments in domestic and to create jobs and lessen reliance on foreign markets. Gerretsen has endorsed Liberal budget measures aimed at , such as the 2025 fiscal plan's emphasis on community protection and industry expansion, while defending overall spending against opposition claims that deficits hinder investment. On taxation, Gerretsen defends the federal carbon pricing system as environmentally necessary without inflationary effects, repeatedly debunking assertions to the contrary as propagated by political opponents. He has highlighted instances of provincial leaders, such as Alberta's , praising the policy's design despite public rhetoric. Additionally, Gerretsen advocates increased defence expenditures, projecting regional economic gains in Kingston through and employment, as outlined in the government's June 2025 commitments.

Social and cultural issues

Gerretsen has consistently supported the Liberal Party's position favoring unrestricted access to services. In May 2024, he publicly criticized Conservative Leader for statements interpreted as potentially enabling provincial overrides on rights, framing such actions as threats to fundamental freedoms. This aligns with his party's opposition to any legislative efforts to regulate or limit procedures, as evidenced by Liberal resistance to private members' bills proposing gestational limits or protections for medical practitioners. On matters related to and , Gerretsen has endorsed policies criminalizing practices deemed . As mayor of Kingston, he noted the city's unanimous council vote to ban such practices prior to federal legislation, and as an MP, he backed Bill C-6 in 2021, which added offences to for causing individuals to undergo treatments aimed at altering or . He has also issued public statements commemorating in March 2025, highlighting achievements of transgender and gender-diverse individuals, and the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and in May 2025. These positions reflect adherence to party-line votes expanding protections under provisions, including expansions in Bill C-7 for medical assistance in dying that indirectly intersect with end-of-life choices amid identity-related distress, though he has not publicly detailed personal reservations. Gerretsen has not articulated distinct positions diverging from Liberal orthodoxy on other cultural matters such as family structure or , instead enforcing discipline on related votes as and . His earlier self-description as a "big C Conservative" in youth contrasts with these stances, suggesting a shift toward progressive alignments post-entry into federal . No indicate opposition to party policies on immigration's social impacts or responses framed through cultural lenses, such as repeat offender leniency debates.

Controversies and criticisms

Interactions with constituents and public altercations

In 2025, during campaigning in Kingston, Gerretsen engaged in a brief exchange captured on a resident's camera, where the constituent called him "pathetic" in reference to his support for measures. Gerretsen responded by calling the resident "pathetic" before departing, an interaction that lasted approximately 12 seconds and subsequently spread widely on platforms. The resident's stemmed from opposition to federal Liberal policies perceived as restrictive toward firearm owners. Gerretsen later expressed regret over his retort, stating in a comment that he should not have responded to the insult, emphasizing that such exchanges do not reflect his typical approach to constituent engagement. Critics, including local residents and online commentators, highlighted the incident as unprofessional for an elected official, arguing it deviated from expectations of maintaining composure amid . The event occurred amid heightened tensions over federal gun legislation, with some viewing Gerretsen's position as dismissive of constituents' Second Amendment-equivalent concerns under Canadian law. In October 2022, members of the Canadian Employment Insurance Union (CEIU), including a Black activist, protested outside Gerretsen's constituency office against Liberal employment insurance policies; staff reportedly responded by summoning police to remove the group, an action described by protesters as a micro-aggression amid demands for dialogue. Gerretsen did not directly participate, but the incident drew accusations of inadequate responsiveness to organized constituent advocacy, though no formal apology from his office was issued at the time. Such events underscore patterns of friction in direct public interactions, often amplified by policy disagreements rather than personal conduct alone.

Partisan rhetoric and attacks on opponents

Gerretsen has employed strong partisan language against Conservative Leader , including accusing him of lacking coherent policy positions. In December 2023, following Poilievre's interview with columnist , Gerretsen publicly stated that Poilievre "stands for nothing other than" opposition tactics without substantive plans, framing the discussion as evidence of inadequate scrutiny on Conservative policies. In July 2024, Gerretsen attributed public opposition to the federal primarily to Poilievre's rhetoric, claiming that Canadians only began prioritizing the issue because the Conservative leader repeatedly highlighted it, rather than inherent policy flaws. This statement drew criticism for downplaying broader economic pressures on households, such as rising energy costs documented in federal affordability reports. Gerretsen has also targeted Conservative questioning of public institutions as undue partisanship. In August 2024, he described Conservative MPs' scrutiny of civil servants during proceedings as "beating up" on public servants, expressing appalled reaction and suggesting it indicated desperation rather than legitimate oversight. Similarly, in October 2025, he delivered a speech condemning Poilievre and Conservative MPs for "attacking the RCMP," portraying their criticisms of the force's handling of issues like border security and as unjustified assaults on national institutions. In April 2025, Gerretsen posted on dismissing certain media critics as "right wing agitators posing as journalists" with objectives solely to "disrupt" proceedings, declaring "there is no place in for this right wing nonsense." This rhetoric extended to broader Liberal tactics, as Gerretsen endorsed labeling Poilievre "weird" in August 2024, aligning with a strategy borrowed from U.S. Democratic messaging to undermine the Conservative leader's image without engaging policy substance. Gerretsen has faced backlash for unsubstantiated attacks on perceived opponents. In September 2024, he called for an independent journalist to be summoned before a committee over unverified foreign funding claims, later issuing a public apology after the accusations proved baseless. Earlier instances include insinuating Poilievre's misuse of The Tragically Hip's music at a rally in March 2023, despite no formal objection from the band, and falling for a fake Freedom Convoy account in June 2022, which Poilievre publicly highlighted as misleading. In September 2021, as a candidate, Gerretsen urged to probe alleged Conservative collusion with the National Firearms Association, citing coordinated messaging on gun policy as potential election interference, though no violations were substantiated by regulators.

Scrutiny of Liberal policy endorsements

Gerretsen's appointment as Chief Government Whip on May 15, 2025, intensified scrutiny over his endorsements of Liberal policies, as the role requires enforcing party-line voting among MPs in a minority government context, potentially sidelining local constituent input on national legislation. Critics, including local commentators, argued that this position underscores a of prioritizing Liberal leadership directives—such as maintaining carbon pricing and fiscal spending frameworks—over Kingston-specific economic pressures like affordability and industrial competitiveness. In parliamentary debates, Gerretsen has defended the Liberal carbon pricing system against calls for its repeal, contending that much opposition stems from political rhetoric rather than empirical economic drawbacks, despite showing average household impacts exceeding $500 annually net of rebates in regions. This stance drew rebukes for overlooking constituent complaints about fuel and heating costs in Kingston, where and sectors reported heightened operational burdens under the policy's implementation from 2019 onward. Further examination arose regarding his alignment with Liberal housing initiatives amid Kingston's acute supply shortages, with vacancy rates dipping below 1% in and average home prices surpassing $700,000. While endorsing government measures like accelerated construction incentives, Gerretsen participated in votes upholding and immigration-driven demand policies criticized for inflating local markets without sufficient supply-side reforms, prompting accusations of endorsing ideologically driven approaches over pragmatic, evidence-based local solutions. A notable flashpoint occurred in June 2025, when the Liberals narrowly lost a confidence-related vote on tabling a spring economic update, which Gerretsen attributed to procedural factors rather than flaws in substance or whip coordination. Opponents highlighted this as emblematic of over-reliance on enforced unity, arguing it impeded scrutiny of Liberal fiscal endorsements amid persistent above 3% and stagnant wage growth in the riding.

Electoral history

Municipal elections

Gerretsen entered municipal politics in the 2006 Kingston municipal , winning election as city for the Portsmouth District. In the October 25, 2010, municipal , Gerretsen ran for and secured a with 56.4 percent of the popular vote, defeating multiple challengers including former Jim Watson and Rob Hutchison. Gerretsen sought re-election as on , , but placed second in a field of seven candidates, losing to Bryan Paterson who won with 37 percent of the vote amid a fragmented contest.

Federal elections

Gerretsen announced his intention to seek the Liberal Party nomination for the federal riding of Kingston and the Islands in August , opting not to run for re-election as of Kingston. He won the nomination on January 10, 2015, defeating three other contenders. In the October 19, 2015, federal election, Gerretsen was elected as the for the riding, succeeding Conservative incumbent Gord Brown, who did not seek re-election following the death of his predecessor. Gerretsen was re-elected on October 21, 2019, defeating candidate Barrington Walker by 15,096 votes. He secured a third term on September 20, 2021. In the April 28, 2025, federal election—described as a "battle of the mayors" against Conservative candidate and former Bryan Paterson—Gerretsen won a fourth consecutive term in a , capturing 48,682 votes for 63.2% of the total, his strongest performance to date.
YearPartyVotes%PositionOpponents
2015Liberal--1stConservative, NDP,
2019Liberal31,20545.81stNDP (runner-up), Conservative,
2021Liberal27,72441.11stConservative, NDP, ,
2025Liberal48,68263.21stConservative (Bryan Paterson), NDP,

Personal life

Family and personal relationships

Mark Gerretsen is the son of John Gerretsen, a longtime Liberal politician who served as of Kingston from 1988 to 1991 and as Member of Provincial for Kingston and the Islands from 1995 to 2014, holding cabinet positions including Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (2003–2007), Minister of the Environment (2007–2010), and Minister of Government Services (2010–2014). His mother, Assunta Gerretsen, returned to education while raising the family, pursuing studies that influenced the household's emphasis on achievement. Gerretsen grew up with an older sister and a younger brother in a politically engaged household in Kingston. Gerretsen is married to Vanessa Gerretsen, whom he credits with providing support amid his public roles. The couple has three children: son Mason, son (also known as Frankie, born June 9, 2016), and daughter Vivian. The family resides in Kingston's east end, where Gerretsen has emphasized balancing political duties with family time, such as local walks and community activities.

Residence and community ties

Gerretsen resides in the east end of Kingston, Ontario, with his wife, Vanessa, and their three children, Mason, Frankie, and Vivian. Born and raised in Kingston, Gerretsen is a lifelong resident of the city, maintaining strong personal connections through family and local participation. His family ties to the region include his father, John Gerretsen, a former Ontario Attorney General and long-serving Kingston-area politician, underscoring generational community involvement. Gerretsen demonstrates ongoing community engagement through attendance at local events, such as the Kingston Council on Aging 4 Life Expo during his mayoral tenure, and family participation in observances like National Truth and Reconciliation Day in Kingston. He has publicly supported area organizations, including VON Greater Kingston for programs like Meals on Wheels.

References

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