It's Time to Strengthen Canada
We love our country and we must defend it.
Hello friends,
With tariff and other threats from the United States, I know a lot of you are thinking about what it means to be Canadian. Conservatives have been clear that we need a government that will put Canada first, defend our country, and promote renewed patriotic joy in all aspects of our national identity.
In speaking to a couple audiences recently about the subject of patriotism, I’ve found myself drawn to some of the ideas about patriotism promoted by former Pope John Paul II. If you’re interested, here is an excerpt on the subject from one of his books. He says in particular that “Patriotism is a love for everything to do with our native land: its history, its traditions, its language, its natural features. It is a love which extends also to the works of our compatriots and the fruits of their genius. Every danger that threatens the overall good of our native land becomes an occasion to demonstrate this love.”
Of course, love for your country includes an obligation to try to make it better. Criticizing the government for failures that weaken our country is the essential obligation of every patriot. This is why we are called “His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition”. We are motivated by loyalty in our criticism of the government, because loving our country means trying to make it better.
Loving Canada also means supporting our constructive engagement with the world, drawing on our national convictions and virtues in the process. Canada is a place, but it is also a set of ideals. The pursuit of justice and defence of the innocent is the ideal and authentic expression of our Canadian nationality.
I may share more thoughts with you about patriotism in the near future. In the meantime, here is what I’ve been up to in the last couple weeks.
My Latest Column: Time to Strengthen Canada
I recently spoke at a luncheon hosted by the Sherwood Park & District Chamber of Commerce about the tariff threats from the United States and the appropriate response. My column this week drew on my remarks at that event.
There is unsurprising unanimity across Canada that we will never be the 51st state, and that proposed tariffs are unjustified. Canadians agree that we will bear any burden and endure any sacrifice to prevent our annexation – we have done it before.
For Canada to be competitive – to be “winning” – we need a government that will address these self-inflicted wounds, and we need a tax system that attracts investment.
For those interested, the local reporting on my remarks at this event can be found here
Three Years Since Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine
This past Monday, February 24th, marked the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. I had the opportunity while in Toronto to share a few remarks, including a message from Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party, underlining our continued support for Ukraine.
From Pierre’s message:
“I am proud that it was a Canadian government, under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, that led the charge to exclude the Russian Federation from the G8. I firmly believe that they cannot be allowed to return - and that no negotiations about Ukraine should happen without Ukraine.
“As you gather to honour those innocent Ukrainians who have been killed, injured, kidnapped and displaced, know that Common Sense Conservatives stand in solidarity with you. Slava Ukraini!”
I also had the honour of reconnecting with His Beatitude Patriarch Sviatoslav Shevchuk over the weekend while in Toronto, and was grateful for the opportunity to hear his message of Christian hope and resilience.
As he says — “Ukraine stands! Ukraine fights! Ukraine prays!”
Calling All Teachers!
Applications are now open for the Teachers Institute on Canadian Parliamentary Democracy. This is a week-long learning opportunity for educators focused on democracy, governance, and citizenship that will be taking place in Ottawa from November 2-7, 2025.
I would strongly encourage you to apply or share this information with anyone you know who might benefit from this kind of experience.
There is no cost to apply, and successful applicants will have both their accommodations and travel costs covered.
Applications close May 4, 2025, so be sure check out this opportunity!
OGGO is NO-GO
Sadly, with Parliament still prorogued, the OGGO committee is a No-Go committee. We still managed to get together for a bit of a reunion recently.
Personal Note: Kids’ Birthdays
In the last couple weeks, we have also celebrated the birthdays of 3/6 of my kids. So, way too much cake! Thanks to everyone who saw my posts on social media and shared birthday wishes.
I always appreciate hearing from Canadians in my riding and across the country. Feel free to email my office at garnett.genuis@parl.gc.ca or share your feedback in the comments below. You can also click here to find me on other social media platforms.
All the best,
Garnett Genuis MP
Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan
WE NEED TO KEEP OUR MONEY IN CANADA , WE THE TAXPAYERS NEVER AGREED TO GIVE OVER MONEY TO OTHER COUNTRIES , NO MORE MONEY TO UKRAINE, WE NEED TO PULL OUT OF THE PARIS AGRREMENT AND OUT OF THE U.N.
AND W.H.O., THESES VAXCINES ARE POISON AND ARE KILLING PEOPLE ,, NO MORE CHEM TRAILS THEY ARE KILLING THE GROUND THAT FARMERS PLANT OUR FOOD IN, LET THE SUN SHINE
I agree with Jay…., we shouldn’t be sending any money to Ukraine or any other country, we have people here in our own country who need support. We need a DOGE here in Canada, start with Global Affairs Canada.