David Ramsay was first elected to the Ontario legislature more than 20 years ago to represent the people of  Timiskaming-Cochrane. David has proudly served Ontarians as Minister of Natural Resources from 2003 to 2007 as well as Minister of Aboriginal Affairs from June 2005 to oct 2007. Following his latest re-election in 2007, he was named Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier of Ontario.

David was first elected in May 1985. During the Peterson Government, he was appointed Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Northern Development and Mines in January 1987 and, following his re-election in September 1987, was appointed Minister of Correctional Services. In August 1989, he was named Minister of Agriculture and Food.

In opposition, David served as caucus chair and critic for Labour, Management Board, Solicitor General and Correctional Services. He has also served as critic responsible for Public Service Renewal, Northern Health and Research, as well as Technology, Training and Skills Development.

David has been active in the community for many years. He served as clerk-treasurer for Casey Township for 10 years and operated a farm outside New Liskeard for 12 years. He served as president of the Temiskaming Federation of Agriculture in 1984-85 and was a founding member of the Temiskaming Grain Growers Board. He was chair of the Temiskaming Hospital Board and has been active in community theatre and minor hockey.

David was raised in Oakville, Ontario, and holds a bachelor of arts from Concordia University. David started farming in Timiskaming in 1972. He and his wife, Kathleen, have lived on their farm in Belle Vallee since 1979.