LAURIE WEIR

As the incumbent MP for Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, Michael Barrett has weathered political storms, economic downturns and shifting party dynamics since first being elected in a 2018 by-election. Now, as another federal election looms, the Conservative MP is touting a track record he says is rooted in pragmatic advocacy and local results.

Barrett, a longtime ally of Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, says he’s been on the front lines fighting for tax relief, protecting Canadian industries from foreign interference, and pushing for improved access to healthcare and fair treatment for local farmers. In a riding where affordability, trade, and infrastructure are top-of-mind for voters, Barrett is positioning himself as a steadfast representative who delivers not just speeches in Ottawa, but tangible results at home.

We asked Barrett to respond to some of the key concerns facing constituents — and to explain why even disillusioned Conservatives should give him another look. His responses follow. 

Q: You’ve represented this riding through economic highs and lows. What specific wins have you delivered here that wouldn’t have happened without you?

A: I’ve been relentless in fighting for our community—for tax fairness for families and seniors, for fair and free trade, for access to healthcare, and for our farmers.

Many in our community are struggling with affordability in a time of what feels like neverending price increases. I’ve fought against the taxes that have made it harder to heat our homes, fill our grocery carts, and fuel our vehicles. And I’ve fought for policies that restore tax fairness—offering lower taxes for seniors, families, and working Canadians.

When manufacturers in our region were threatened by unfair and illegal trade practices from other countries, I brought industry experts from our community to testify before Parliamentary committees—contributing evidence that has shaped national trade policies.

As members of our community struggled to access healthcare, I worked with national organizations representing doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to develop policies aimed at restoring access where it’s needed most—right here at home.

When farmers raised concerns about taxes and trade policies targeting their operations —whether related to market access in trade agreements, taxes on heating barns or drying grain, or succession planning—I sat down with them, took their concerns to the floor of the House of Commons, and voted to protect their livelihoods.

Q: How does your leader’s stance on tariffs and the economy directly benefit our region—and what have you done to influence that strategy?

A: Canada must never be in a position of economic weakness again. In a trade war, working Canadians pay the highest price. Unjustified tariffs from President Donald Trump have threatened businesses in our community and across the country. A Conservative government won’t stand idly by.

We’ll fight to eliminate these tariffs and secure a fair deal that protects Canada’s economy and sovereignty. At the same time, we’ll support Canadian workers by launching the Keep Canadians Working Fund—a temporary loan program to help businesses keep employees on the job during trade disruptions.

This targeted fund will provide up to $3 billion in short-term credit lines and low-interest loans to keep industries running. It’s modelled after the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP), which helped protect jobs during the 2008 financial crisis under the previous Conservative government.

Part of supporting Canadian workers means diversifying trade—reducing our dependence on the U.S. while creating economic activity and job opportunities here at home.

To do that, Conservatives will create a Canada First National Energy Corridor to fast-track critical infrastructure—pipelines, railways, and transmission lines—entirely within Canada. This will unlock billions in investment, create high-paying jobs, and restore our economic independence. With this corridor, Canada will stand on its own two feet and stand up to Donald Trump.

Q: Why should voters stick with you when even long-time Conservatives are questioning the direction of the party?

A: Pierre Poilievre and Canada’s Conservatives are fighting to restore the promise of Canada—that if you work hard, you can afford a good home on a safe street, protected by the brave men and women in uniform, under our proud Canadian flag.

We’ll cut income taxes by reducing the lowest bracket to 12.75%, saving the average family $1,800 a year and the average worker up to $900—helping families keep more of their paycheques and rewarding hard work.

We’ll bring fairness to the tax system. Today, corporate insiders can write off luxury jets while tradespeople are limited to a $4,000 deduction for travel—even when required to be on the road dozens of times a year. We’ll change that. A new Conservative government will eliminate corporate write-offs for luxury jets and allow travelling trades workers to deduct the full cost of food, travel, and accommodation.

We’ll invest in skilled trades, funding 350,000 positions in trade schools and union halls to train Red Seal apprentices—and we’ll bring back the $4,000 apprenticeship grant to help young workers get ahead.

To tackle Canada’s housing crisis, we’ll eliminate the sales tax on new homes—saving families up to $65,000 and $3,000 on mortgage payments—while sparking a homebuilding boom.

We’ll sell off 6,000 federal buildings and thousands of acres of land to build homes, while incentivizing municipalities to speed up permits, open up land, and reduce housing taxes.

Conservatives will also put seniors back in control of their retirements by lowering taxes and protecting their savings. Seniors shouldn’t have to work—but if they choose to, they shouldn’t be penalized with more taxes. Our plan lets working seniors earn up to $34,000 tax-free and delays mandatory RRSP withdrawals to age 73. We’ll protect OAS, GIS, and CPP by keeping the retirement age at 65.

Author: Laurie Weir