John Cashore

Personal

  • Made Coquitlam his home in 1973 following years of ministry and service across British Columbia, including work in remote First Nations communities
  • Continues to support community initiatives through volunteer service and pastoral care

Community Service & Achievements 

  • Ordained United Church Minister, serving communities across British Columbia beginning in 1962
  • Elected Member of the Legislative Assembly for Maillardville–Coquitlam (1986, 1991, 1996)
  • Served in senior cabinet roles including:
    • Minister of Environment, Lands and Parks
    • Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
    • Minister of Labour
  • Served as Senior Chair of the BC Mental Health Review Panel (1974–1986), advancing human rights-based approaches to mental health care
  • Played a key role in establishing affordable housing initiatives in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside
  • Served as Superintendent of First United Church and helped establish the Church’s Social Housing Society
  • Advocated for Indigenous relations, restorative justice and community well-being initiatives throughout his career
  • Environmental Stewardship
  • Contributed to the protection of significant natural areas including:
    • Pinecone Burke Provincial Park
    • ƛ̓ éxətəm Regional Park
  • Served as Chair of the Advisory Board for the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area

Awards & Recognition

  • Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal 
  • Honourary memberships with the Burke Mountain Naturalists and the Rivershed Society of BC
  • Cashore Way named in his honour by the City of Coquitlam (2015)