Minister of Natural Resources
Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs

David Ramsay was appointed Minister of Aboriginal Affairs by Premier Dalton McGuinty in June 2005. He also serves as Minister of Natural Resources.

Mr. Ramsay was first elected to the Ontario legislature for the riding of Timiskaming in May 1985. He has since served as caucus chair and critic for labour, management board, solicitor general and correctional services.

He has also served as critic responsible for public service renewal, northern health and research, as well as technology, training and skills development. In government, he was appointed parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Northern Development and Mines in January 1987 and, following his re-election in September 1987, was appointed Minister of Correctional Services. In August 1989, he was named Minister of Agriculture and Food.

Mr. Ramsay has been active in the community for many years. He served as clerk-treasurer for Casey Township for 10 years and operated a farm outside New Liskeard for 12 years. He served as president of the Timiskaming Federation of Agriculture in 1984-85 and was a founding member of the Timiskaming Grain Growers Board. He was chairman of the Timiskaming Hospital Board and has been active in community theatre and minor hockey.

Mr. Ramsay was raised in Oakville, Ontario, and holds a bachelor of arts from Concordia University. He and his wife, Kathleen, have lived on their farm in Belle Vallee since 1973.