John Yakabuski was first elected to the Ontario Legislature as MPP for the riding of Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke on October 2, 2003. He was re-elected for his 2nd term on October 10th, 2007. He is currently the House Leader for the Official Opposition and the Energy Critic for the Official Opposition.

John was raised on politics as his father, Paul Yakabuski, served as the Provincial Member for the riding of Renfrew South for 24 years.

John was elected to the municipal council in the village of Barry’s Bay in 1997. During that time, he sat on the transition board dealing with the issues with respect to pending amalgamation. He did not seek re-election in 2000.  

Formerly a real estate sales representative, John is best known locally as the former owner-operator of Yakabuski’s Home Hardware in Barry’s Bay, which he operated for 20 years.

John is also known for his record of community service that has included service to the Royal Canadian Legion, Madawaska Valley Lions Club and the Boy Scouts. John has also sat on the steering committee of St. Francis Memorial Hospital’s Capital Equipment Campaign. John has recorded and released a CD entitled “To Your Health” to benefit the five local hospitals in his riding. To date, over $40,000 has been raised. He is also very active in his church, St. John’s Lutheran Augsburg.

John grew up in a family of 14 children, just about enough for a quorum on its own. He and his wife Vicky have four children, Zachary, Heidi, Emily & Lucas  and two grandchildren, May and Wallace.