John Vanthof is working to strengthen Ontario by fighting for rural communities, protecting farmland and local food systems, and standing up for farmers and northern families.

First elected in 2011, John brings deep roots in agriculture and public service to his role as MPP for Timiskaming–Cochrane and as the Ontario NDP’s House Leader. He served on municipal council, chaired the Temiskaming Federation of Agriculture for a decade, and has been a tireless advocate for rural voices at Queen’s Park.

John and his wife Ria owned and operated a dairy farm outside Earlton for nearly 30 years. During that time, he served on the Temiskaming Dairy Producer Committee, the Board of Dairy Farmers of Ontario, and played a key role in saving Thornloe Cheese from closure.

From stopping the Adams Mine Landfill project to improving health care access in the North, John has always been focused on results. He has served on the boards of the Englehart and District Hospital, the Temiskaming Foundation, and the International Plowing Match, where he chaired the education committee.

As Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Food, Agribusiness, and Rural Affairs, John is a strong voice for the North — pushing for better infrastructure, stronger rural health care, and sustainable, community-driven economic development.

John and Ria have four grown children and continue to call Evanturel Township home.