Regional Councillor
As Newmarket's Regional Councillor for the past five years John has served on over
25 committees and boards including York Region Planning and Economic Development Committee (Chair), the Canadian National Exhibition Board, Newmarket Economic Development Committee and more. John has tirelessly advocated for enhanced social services, responsible spending, and the environment. During his first term as Regional Councillor John successfully championed "Earth Hour", the elimination of disposable plastic water bottles and the elimination of GTA pooling. John believes in getting things done - and that means hard work and determination.
Professional Experience
John has worked as an independent investment consultant. He was also a partner in a logistics and transportation company that employed more than 25 people. Previously, he worked at Queen's Park as a special assistant to Charles Beer, the Minister of Community and Social Services. He has also worked as a high school English teacher and in the field of education and market research.
Education
While attending Trent University, The University of Toronto, and The University of British Columbia, John earned bachelor degrees in English and Education, a Master's degree in Canadian Studies, and a Ph.D. in Education. John has also conducted educational research in Thailand, Manitoba, and British Columbia. He taught courses at U.B.C. related to Educational Policy. Part of his work was published as a chapter for a book titled, "First Nations Education in Canada: The Circle Unfolds." John received an award for academic achievement while at U.B.C.
Political and Government Experience
Over a twenty year period, John has worked on numerous election campaigns at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. He has attended numerous political conferences, conventions and meetings during that time. John has had a particular focus on public policy. John advised Charles Beer on First Nations Issues and general policy matters while working at Queen's Park in the 1980's.
Community Experience
- Born (1965) and raised in Newmarket
- Attended Maple Leaf Public School and Newmarket High School
- President of the Heart and Stroke Foundation - York Region North
- Former Host of Rogers "Focal Point" - a political affairs television program
- Member of the Voices of Joy (an all ability choir) fundraising committee
- Member of the Advisory Board for the Windfall Ecology Festival
- Founding Co-Chair of Newmarket's Gala for the Arts
- Previous Board Member of the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation
- Previous Member of the Site Selection Committee Habitat for Humanity
Personal
John is married to Michelle and together they have a young daughter, Addison and a baby boy, Ethan. John enjoys reading, basketball and scrabble.
2010-2014 Term of Council
York Region Committees
Planning and Economic Development Committee (Chair)
Community and Health Services Committee
Environmental Services Committee
Housing York Inc.
Human Services Planning Board (Co-Chair)
Audit Committee
Town of Newmarket Committees
Newmarket Economic Development Advisory Committee
Holland River and Newmarket Trails Committee
Community Centre Lands Task Force
CUSP (Community Urban Space Project)
CUSP Budget Control Task Force
Downtown Parking Review Task Force
Newmarket Gala for the Arts (Co-Chair)
Viva Next Implementation Task Force
Earth Hour Planning Committee (Chair)
Partners for Climate Protection Task Force
Site Plan Review Committee
Others
Heart and Stroke Foundation (President)
Canadian National Exhibition Board
Windfall Ecology Festival Advisory Board
Ride Your Bike to Work Day (Co-Chair)
Voices of Joy Fundraising Committee
Newmarket Children's Dream Foundation (Chair)
