Kitchener-Conestoga MP named parliamentary secretary

Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Louis

By Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Louis is working alongside one of the federal Liberals’ most prominent cabinet ministers.

Louis, in his third term, has been named parliamentary secretary to the minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, intergovernmental affairs and one Canadian economy.

Dominic LeBlanc is a veteran Liberal with deep experience across major government departments. His current focus on enhancing Canada-U.S. trade relations and dismantling internal trade barriers has placed him at the centre of national policies aimed at economic unity and resilience, especially in the context of global trade challenges.

Louis will be helping LeBlanc to work on legislation to standardize professional licensing, allowing skilled workers to move freely between provinces. The ministry is also leading reforms to harmonize food, alcohol and construction regulations, a move welcomed by small businesses and trade associations.

“The file for the minister is quite large, so it's been split into two components. The portfolio that has been given to me is intergovernmental affairs,” Louis said. “That would be the one Canadian economy, lowering trade barriers and building major projects in Canada. I’ll be working with Indigenous people, the environmental sector, provinces and territories, as well as other stakeholders.”

The Gazette asked Louis how his workload will be increased as a result of the promotion.

“I’m cutting this interview a little shorter than we usually do,” he joked. “I am always conscious of my time and other people’s time. Now I’ll have to get more done in less time. That’s what Canadians expect.”

It is still early days following the announcement of which MPs are supporting what cabinet ministers, and Louis said he hasn’t been fully told what his new role will encompass.

“I would expect to do more travelling within Canada, but at the same time, there are more parliamentary responsibilities. I will be spending more time in the House of Commons and today I am prepping for Question Period.”

Louis explained he will host more meetings with stakeholders in Ottawa and will deliver more speeches on behalf of the government. He added eliminating interprovincial barriers is top of mind for Canadians.

“It’s an honour to serve in this capacity and I am humbled. All the conversations I had with Canadians before, during the election campaign and even since; this is an issue that is top of mind. There are billions of dollars in barriers right now. We could boost our GDP, have labour mobility and do major projects using Canadian labour, steel and aluminum. Canadians have sent us here to work together and we are setting some pretty fast deadlines and moving quickly.”

While he knows LeBlanc as a colleague, Louis said the pair hasn’t had the chance to sit down and discuss his role due to the minister’s busy file and travel schedule.

“He’s been travelling himself right now, but I am expecting to meet with him very soon. I’ve been meeting with the department and starting the briefings. I’ve been handed huge binders full of information, so the work has already started. So has the increased coffee consumption.”

He said the news hasn’t spread across the riding yet, but word travels quickly in Ottawa.

“When news happens on Parliament Hill, it spreads quickly, so the conversations I have been having with people here all know. I was at many events over the weekend and people were congratulating me and asking for more details.”

The MP added Kitchener-Conestoga and other area ridings will benefit from strong trade agreements with our neighbours to the south.

“The Waterloo Region is one of the most affected areas in the country as far as tariffs and trade with the U.S. It will be very applicable to people in my riding and boosting our economy is good for everyone. I look forward to getting the work done and will find more hours in the day to do it.”

Louis was named parliamentary secretary to the minister of Canadian heritage back in February, but barely settled into the role before the 44th Parliament was dissolved and an election date of April 28 selected. It followed an earlier prorogation on Jan. 6 after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation.