John Yaremko (August 15, 1918 – April 11, 2010) was a Canadian lawyer and politician in Ontario. He served as a Progressive Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1951 to 1975, representing the riding of Bellwoods. Throughout his career, he held several cabinet positions in the governments of Leslie Frost, John Robarts, and Bill Davis.
Early Life and Education
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Yaremko was the son of George and Mary Yaremko, immigrants of Ukrainian descent. He received his education at the University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall Law School. He was called to the bar in 1946 and practiced law, initially specializing in criminal defense. During World War II, he served as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force.Political Career
Yaremko first successfully ran for the Ontario Legislative Assembly in the 1951 provincial election in the Toronto riding of Bellwoods. He was re-elected in six subsequent elections, serving continuously for 24 years.Throughout his tenure, Yaremko held a variety of cabinet posts:
- Minister without Portfolio (1958-1960)
- Provincial Secretary and Minister of Citizenship (1960-1966) – In this role, he was instrumental in establishing the Ontario Human Rights Commission in 1961 and introducing the Ontario Human Rights Code in 1962.
- Minister of Reform Institutions (1966-1967)
- Minister of Social and Family Services (1967-1968)
- Solicitor General (1968-1971)
Yaremko was known for his advocacy for minority rights and multiculturalism, particularly within the Ukrainian-Canadian community. He retired from politics in 1975.