Introduction
John Wise, PC (December 12, 1935 – January 9, 2013) was a Canadian dairy cattle farmer and politician from Ontario.
Early Years
Born in St. Thomas, Ontario Wise was a dairy farmer, but also was a local politician in St. Thomas - Elgin:
- Township councillor and Deputy Reeve of Yarmouth Township 1966-1967
- Reeve of Yarmouth Township 1967-1968
- Warden for Elgin County 1969
Federal Politics
Wise was first elected as a Progressive Conservative to the Canadian House of Commons representing the riding of Elgin in 1972. He was re-elected in 1974, 1979, 1980, and 1984. In Joe Clark's cabinet he was the Minister of Agriculture (June 4, 1979 – March 2, 1980). He was also Minister of Agriculture (September 17, 1984 – September 14, 1988) in Brian Mulroney's cabinet.
Retirement
Post politics Wise served on various agriculture related boards:
- board member for Amtelcom
- Chairman of the Board, Canadian Livestock Exporters Association and Canadian Embryo Exporters Association
Wise retired as a MP in 1988 and retired to his farm (dairy operations sold in the 1970s). Wise was honorary founder and President of Soil Conservation Canada and cattle judge in Elgin County.
Death
Wise died January 9, 2013 at the age of 77 in London, Ontario.