The Honourable John McKay

Speaker's bio

The Honourable John McKay P.C. was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 1997, serving nine consecutive terms in the House of Commons representing the constituency of Scarborough- Guildwood. He did not seek re-election as of the 2025 federal election.

A long-time human rights advocate, he has successfully sponsored major national legislation to strengthen Canada’s foreign aid regime, combat modern slavery in international supply chains, and crack down on unethical practices in Canada’s business activities abroad.

He was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance by Prime Minister Paul Martin, earning him the distinction of Privy Councillor to the King, and worked with current Prime Minister Mark Carney to deliver two consecutive balanced budgets.

John also served as the Liberal Party of Canada’s Critic for National Defence, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence, and Canadian Co-Chair of the Canada-U.S. Permanent Joint Board on Defence. The latter post included leading meetings at NORAD headquarters at U.S. NORTHCOM and in Washington D.C.

John is a senior consultant at David Pratt & Associates, a premier government relations and strategic consultancy firm with a focus on assisting small, medium and large companies pursuing defence and security procurement.

John is married to Carolyn Dartnell, and they are blessed with five children, five grandchildren and are active members of The Peoples Church. Prior to politics, John practiced law for 22 years.