MP Mark Gerretsen named Chief Government Whip
A promotion for Kingston and The Islands MP
Prime Minister announces Chief Government Whip
May 14, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced that Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, will serve as Chief Government Whip.
Mr. Gerretsen was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2015. He has previously served as Deputy Government House Leader, as Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, and as a member of various parliamentary committees.
The decisions made by this new Parliament, starting on May 26, 2025, will be decisive for Canada’s future. We will govern constructively and collaboratively, working with Caucus and across parties in Parliament to deliver the change that Canadians voted for.
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AI Overview
In political terms, a Chief Government Whip is a senior member of the governing party in a legislature, responsible for ensuring that party members attend and vote as the party leadership desires. They are essentially the enforcers of party discipline.
Elaboration:
Ensuring Attendance and Voting:
The Chief Whip's primary role is to ensure that the government's legislation is passed through the legislature, and that the government maintains its majority in votes. This is achieved by making sure party members are present for votes and that they vote in accordance with the party's instructions.
"Whipping System":
The Chief Whip oversees the "whipping system," where party members are notified of important votes and are expected to vote in a specific way. The "whipping system" can be different in severity, ranging from a simple request to attend a vote to a binding instruction with potential consequences for non-compliance.
Party Discipline:
The Chief Whip acts as a link between the party leadership and the members of the legislature, communicating the party's position and enforcing discipline.
Arranging Parliamentary Business:
The Chief Whip also plays a role in arranging the parliamentary business, working with the Business Minister to timetables and secure the passage of legislation.
Other Duties:
Chief Whips also act as tellers during votes, manage the pairing system (whereby Members of opposing parties agree not to vote when other business prevents them from attending), and advise the government on parliamentary business.