Mark Gerretsen

Parliamentary secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons (Senate)

Represents the riding of Kingston and the Islands

Mark Gerretsen was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands in 2015.

In this role, Mr. Gerretsen served on the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development, the Standing Committee on National Defence, and the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. He has also been a member of various other committees, parliamentary associations, and interparliamentary groups.

Born and raised in Kingston, Mr. Gerretsen had a keen entrepreneurial sense from a young age. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Queen’s University, he started a property development and management company, which continues to operate in Kingston today. Mr. Gerretsen also attended St. Lawrence College for Computer Engineering.

Mr. Gerretsen has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the local community. He served the City of Kingston as a Councillor from 2006 to 2010, and as Mayor from 2010 to 2014. In this role, he oversaw a number of key initiatives, including the creation of the Mayor’s Task Force on Development and the Age-Friendly Plan for seniors. During his time in municipal politics, Mr. Gerretsen worked collaboratively with municipal leaders across Ontario to advance key issues, such as the integration of social services, increased investment in local infrastructure, and affordable housing.

Mr. Gerretsen lives in Kingston with his wife, Vanessa, their three children, Mason, Frankie, and Vivian, and their rescue dog, Otis.