Mark Gerretsen

100% agree with Prime Minister Carney. This aggressive action by Netanyahu will do nothing to promote long term peace.

🔗 Backgrounder here: www.canada.ca/en/departmen...

The image features a military uniform with a Canadian flag patch on the sleeve in the background. Overlaid text announces pay raises and new benefits for the Canadian Armed Forces: "PAY RAISES FOR THE CANADIAN ARMED FORCES Retroactive to April 1, 2025 8% raise for colonels and above 13% raise for lieutenant-colonels and below 20% increase in starting pay for privates in the Regular Force New Military Service Pay benefit honouring years of service. Additional support for relocations, family separations, combat training, and disaster response. MARK GERRETSEN

Canada is investing $9B+ in our Canadian Armed Forces — including the largest pay raise in a generation, from 8% to 20% depending on rank, plus new benefits that honour years of service.

🔗Learn more: www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news...

A graphic promoting a Labour Day Community Picnic. The event is scheduled for Monday, September 1st, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Lake Ontario Park. The flyer highlights Free Food, Live Music, Kids’ Activities, and Prizes. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or picnic blankets. The flyer includes photos and contact information for: Ted Hsu, MPP: Email: thsu.mpp.co@ola.org, Phone: 613-547-2385 Mark Gerretsen, MP: Email: mark.gerretsen@parl.gc.ca, Phone: 613-542-3243

🎉The countdown is on!
@tedhsu.bsky.social and I are teaming up once again for our annual Labour Day Community Picnic. Save the date!

📅 Monday, September 1
🕐 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
📍 Lake Ontario Park
🔗RSVP here: bit.ly/labourday25

Let’s enjoy an afternoon of music, food, and community. See you there!

A graphic for Canada's Pre-Budget Consultations 2025. The background features a cloudy sky above the Canadian Parliament building. The graphic includes four questions, each with a checkmark icon: How can the government build one strong economy today and for the future? What are the most important ways the Government of Canada can help Canadians in their day-to-day lives? What is your highest priority when it comes to Canada's defence and security? What is one suggestion you have for how the federal government can support you or your community? At the bottom, there's a call to action: "Have your say! Canada.ca/yourbudget" with an arrow pointing to the URL. Below that, the name "Mark Gerretsen" is displayed.

A graphic titled "OUR PRIORITIES". The background features a cloudy sky above the Canadian Parliament building. It lists seven key points: Strengthen economic and security ties with the U.S. and global partners. Build one Canadian economy by removing interprovincial trade barriers and advancing major projects. Make housing more affordable by boosting public-private partnerships and skilled trades. Lower costs and help Canadians get ahead. Attract top global talent while keeping immigration at sustainable levels. Protect sovereignty by investing in the military, border security, and law enforcement. Spend less on government operations to invest more in people and businesses. At the bottom, the text reads "PRE-BUDGET CONSULTATIONS 2025" with a maple leaf outline, followed by "MARK GERRETSEN".

📣 Pre-Budget Consultations 2025 are open!
The federal government is preparing Budget 2025 — and they want to hear from you.

Have your say in two ways:
🔗Fill out the survey at: Canada.ca/yourbudget
✉️ Or send detailed feedback to: yourbudget-votrebudget@fin.gc.ca

Benefits Payment Dates for August. A calendar with a pinned note lists: 8 August – Ontario Trillium Benefit; 21 August – Canada Disability Benefit; 20 August – Canada Child Benefit; 27 August – Canada Pension Plan & Old Age Security; 28 August – Veteran Disability Pension. The name 'Mark Gerretsen' appears at the bottom.

Take a look at the Benefits Payment Dates for August! 🗓️

Share this post with friends and family to help keep everyone informed.

🔗 See the full 2025 benefits payment calendar here: bit.ly/4emJUdg

A Canadian flag waving in front of a lake. Below, a notice with a maple leaf icon reads 'CIVIC HOLIDAY – Office closed on Monday, August 4.' The name 'MARK GERRETSEN' appears at the bottom.

📣 Civic Holiday Office Closure
As the long weekend approaches, please note that my office will be closed on Monday, August 4 for the Civic Holiday.

We’ll be back to assist you on Tuesday, August 5 during regular hours.

Thanks for your understanding. Hope you have a great long weekend!

Illustration of two people standing back to back against a yellow diamond-patterned background. Broken chains and red birds are flying around them. At the bottom, a white banner features a red circle with a raised fist icon and the text 'EMANCIPATION DAY – A time to remember and keep learning.' Below that is the name 'MARK GERRETSEN.'

August 1 is Emancipation Day, a time to honour the strength of Black communities and reflect on the end of slavery in 1834.

Let’s keep working toward a more just, inclusive Canada. 🙌

Glad to welcome Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree to Kingston!

We visited Collins Bay & Kingston Pen, and held meetings at Kingston Police & City Hall to discuss public safety, federal sites & the future of the Kingston Pen.

I’ll keep pushing for community input & heritage preservation.🙌

Hi, please find the Pre-budget consultations for Budget 2025 survey here: Canada.ca/yourbudget

Today is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
Thank you to all the community organizations working tirelessly to combat human trafficking and support survivors.

🔗Read the Minister’s statement here!

Graphic with the question 'WHAT SHOULD BE CANADA'S TOP INTERNATIONAL PRIORITY?' followed by 'This is what you said'. A large yellow '40%' is shown, with text below stating 'said "Strengthen trade relationships" should be Canada's top international priority.' A yellow button reads 'HAVE YOUR SAY!' and 'MARK GERRETSEN' appears at the bottom.

In my Community Survey for Kingston and the Islands, many of you shared your thoughts on Canada’s international priorities. Nearly 40% said we should focus on strengthening trade relationships.

Haven’t had your say yet? There’s still time:
🔗EN: bit.ly/4eF3UcH
🔗FR: bit.ly/40rvdkU

A corkboard with a yellow sticky note pinned to it, featuring a light bulb sketch. Below it, a banner reads 'OFFICE CLOSURE NOTICE – Staff Training - Friday, August 1' with an exclamation mark icon and 'MARK GERRETSEN' at the bottom.

Please note that our office will be closed this Friday, August 1, for staff training.

Thank you for your understanding!

Notice about additional weekday closures for the Lasalle Causeway, listing closures on Tuesday, August 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, August 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It states the causeway will be closed to vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. A reminder at the bottom says 'Plan your route!' and the notice is signed by Mark Gerretsen.

📢 Heads up, Kingston and the Islands! LaSalle Causeway will be fully closed to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians:

🚧 Tuesday, Aug 5 – 11am–5pm
🚧 Thursday, Aug 7 – 9:30am–2:30pm

Closures are to allow a commercial vessel into drydock. Plan ahead!

Preventive Care Screening Program - Kingston Community Health Centres Kingston Community Health Centres Preventive Care Screening Program allows eligible individuals cancer screening. You do not need to have a Primary Care Provider to access screening.

Take a look at this 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 at Kingston Community Health Centres! Available for those without a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

More details below 👇

Kingston's SS Keewatin named museum ship of the year Keewatin recognized by the the Steamship Historical Society of America.

Amazing news! The S.S. Keewatin has been named 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿!🚢👏 Big congrats to the whole team for bringing this piece of history to life.

Found out the best lobster is made in a large pot of sea water! 🦞 🌊

Kingston welcomed Simeon King on his 7,500 km Ride for Type 1 Diabetes! 🚴‍♂️ He’s 80% toward his $100K goal for I Challenge Diabetes.

Thanks to the Bayshore Foundation and all who made it possible.

🔗 Learn more or donate: www.cyclefortype1.ca

A line of soldiers in traditional red uniforms and black hats stands in formation, each carrying a black backpack labeled 'RG'. To the right, a white box features a red maple leaf and the text: 'CANADA STRONG PASS / LAISSEZ-PASSER UN CANADA FORT' with the word 'Canada' and a small maple leaf below.

Good news! 🎉
Starting today, the Canada Strong Pass now includes Fort Henry with free admission for youth and 50% off for young adults. A great chance to explore local history this summer!
www.forthenry.com

Blessed to live in the most beautiful country in the world! 🇨🇦

A word cloud image featuring the three most prominent words: “housing,” “healthcare,” and “affordable.” The background includes the question “What is one thing you would like your MP to prioritize in the next year? This is what you said.” The name “Mark Gerretsen” appears at the bottom.

A design titled “ACTION ON YOUR PRIORITIES” featuring three main sections: Health, Housing, and Affordability. Each section lists specific initiatives: HEALTH $3.1B federal investment to improve health care in Ontario CDCP: 4M+ approved, 25K+ dental providers Pharmacare: Diabetes & contraception coverage expanding already in 4 provinces HOUSING $38M+ since 2017 for 250 affordable units in Kingston $27.6M to fast-track 890 homes (2024–2027) 4,800 new homes planned over the next decade AFFORDABILITY Middle-class tax cut: reducing lowest personal income tax rate from 15% to 14% CCB up 2.7% to match inflation OAS & GIS adjusted quarterly with CPI The name Mark Gerretsen appears at the bottom.

In my Community Survey, I asked:
👉 “What is one thing you would like your MP to prioritize in the next year?” Kingston answered: housing, affordability, healthcare.

Your feedback helps shape the work I do, both here in Kingston and in Ottawa. Add your voice!
🔗EN: bit.ly/4eF3UcH
🔗FR: bit.ly/40rvdkU

Delivering on our plan to unite, secure, protect, and build Canada Strong.

COMMUNITY SURVEY Update. Over 570 people have shared their thoughts. Thank you! The survey is now available in English and French. Open until mid-August. Takes just 5–10 min! TAKE THE SURVEY NOW. MARK GERRETSEN.

SONDAGE COMMUNAUTAIRE Mise à jour. Plus de 570 personnes ont partagé leurs idées. Merci ! Le sondage est maintenant disponible en français et en anglais. Ouvert jusqu'à la mi-août. Il ne prend que 5 à 10 minutes ! PARTICIPEZ MAINTENANT. MARK GERRETSEN.

Thanks to the 570+ people who completed our Community Survey! And here’s a quick update: We’ve heard your feedback, and the survey is now also available in French.
🗓️ Open until mid-August, takes just 5–10 min.

EN: bit.ly/4eF3UcH
FR: bit.ly/40rvdkU

Free workshop. You are more than your diabetes! In this workshop you'll learn: How to handle stress and emotions without getting stuck, How to unhook from unhelpful thoughts, How to take meaningful action based on your values. Why it works: Less struggle, more confidence, Practical tools for real-life diabetes challenges, A supportive and empowering approach to wellness. Your journey to breakthrough starts today! Registration required for this free three-part workshop. Wednesdays: September 10, 17, 24 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Calvin Park Public Library, 88 Wright Cr. Kingston. Open to anyone with diabetes. For more information or to register, email melanieh@kchc.ca

Here’s a helpful workshop for people in our community living with diabetes! Please take a look at all the details above. 👇

Meanwhile, we’re making progress with the Pharmacare Act, already available in four provinces. Hopefully, Ontario will follow suit soon!

On Saturday, a team member attended the 56th AGM of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, hosted by Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest.

These Centres support urban Indigenous people in areas like housing, justice, and wellness. Let’s keep working together! 🙌

Children running on a wooden deck surrounded by greenery, with a red circular icon in the foreground that reads: 'MORE SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES. Canada Child Benefit increases again for 2025-2026.

New CCB amounts are here:
👉$7,997/child under 6
👉$6,748/child 6–17

The CCB is indexed to inflation, so it keeps pace with the rising cost of living — this year’s increase reflects a 2.7% boost, based on 2024 income data.

📎More info: bit.ly/4kKOu7W

Less busy alternatives to the most popular national parks Avoid crowds at Canada’s most popular national parks (like Banff, Jasper, Bruce Peninsula, Pacific Rim or PEI). Visit these other great places instead.

Parks Day is coming up soon!
Check out these less busy but just as beautiful national parks — and admission is free until September 2!

Full list and details below 👇

PM Carney Speaks at Summit with First Nations – July 17, 2025 In Gatineau, Que., Prime Minister Mark Carney delivers opening remarks as his two-day summit with First Nations leaders gets underway.

Some concerns have been raised about the Building Canada Act (part of Bill C-5), and we’re here to listen.

PM Mark Carney kicked off a summit with First Nations leaders — committing to work together in true partnership, with respect and shared opportunity at the core.

MP Mark Gerretsen’s Community Survey Your voice matters. This short survey takes about 5 -10 minutes and is a chance to share your priorities and feedback with me — your Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands. Your input helps...

📣 Attention Kingston and the Islands!
Each week, I connect with neighbours and local businesses—and your input helps shape my work in Ottawa.

👉 Take a moment to fill out this quick Community Survey:
🔗 bit.ly/4eF3UcH

lol I forgot about that!!