John Chataway

Who was John Chataway?

John Edward Chataway was a Canadian politician and Progressive Conservative Member of the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly for Chester-St. Margaret's from July 1999 until his death, and a cabinet minister.

He was a descendant of the Chataway who surveyed the Manitoba–Ontario border, distant cousin of Christopher Chataway, and a great admirer of Winston Churchill.

He attended high school in Lindsay, Ontario, and was treasurer of the student council. His twin brother, Rick, was vice-president. Inspired by his cousin, Chris, he was a very good distance runner.

Chataway was a graduate of Waterloo Lutheran University. He taught school in Nova Scotia and was a long-time municipal councillor. Chataway was very active in historical preservation efforts in the Chester area. He was an excellent amateur auctioneer, much in demand for charity fundraisers.

After his election as MLA in 1999, Chataway was named Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, and Minister of Human Resources. Some of his constituents in Chester alleged he was a slum landlord, a charge he denied.