John Cashore was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Education, who is also the Deputy Premier, in November 2000.

John served as Minister of Aboriginal Affairs from September 1993 until February 1998, and as Minister of Labour from January 1997 to February 1998. From November 1991 to September 1993, he served as Minister of Environment, Lands and Parks. In June 1998, John was appointed Chair of the Advisory Board of the Muskwa-Kechika Special Management Area (the Northern Rockies) and still serves in that position.

John was first elected to the Legislative Assembly to represent the constituency of Coquitlam-Maillardville in 1986 and was re-elected in 1991 and 1996.

John is a graduate of the University of BC and received his divinity degree from Union College, which is now the Vancouver School of Theology.

Before his election to the Legislature, John worked as a United Church Minister in Vancouver's downtown eastside and various other communities throughout the province.

Social justice issues, such as just relations with aboriginal people, the environment and mental health services, are high on his priority list.

John and Sharon Cashore have four children, seven grandchildren and have made their home in Coquitlam since 1973.