Meet Michael
Michael Barrett, Member of Parliament for Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes.
Michael Barrett is a dedicated elected representative serving his fourth term and is the Conservative Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs in His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition.
In this role, he works to ensure that Canada’s veterans and their families receive the respect, support, and services they have earned through their service to our country.
Before his election to Parliament, Michael served in the Canadian Armed Forces in the Canadian Army’s Regular Force as a Telecommunications Lineman, learning a skilled trade and participating in training, domestic operations, and disaster relief.
Following his military service, he served as a Municipal Councillor in the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal, where he earned a reputation as a strong advocate for local priorities.
Since first being elected to Parliament in 2018, Michael has served in a number of senior parliamentary roles, including as Deputy Opposition House Leader, Vice-Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, and as Shadow Minister for Health, Ethics and Accountable Government, and Veterans Affairs. His work has focused on strengthening government accountability, supporting veterans, improving health care, and standing up for the interests of the people of Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes.
Michael also introduced the Service Dogs for Veterans Act, a private member’s bill that would recognize service dogs as an eligible rehabilitation support for veterans and establish national standards for their breeding, training, certification, and placement.
Michael also brings private sector experience as a Human Resources Manager, where he developed a practical understanding of workforce management and organizational leadership.
His experience in the military, municipal government, the private sector, and Parliament provides him with a broad perspective as he works to represent the people of Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands—Rideau Lakes.
Michael and his wife Amanda are proud residents of Leeds—Grenville, where they are raising their five children: Luke, Ama, Michaela, James, and Nathan.
