Ian Paton has represented Delta South as an MLA since 2017 and currently serves as the Official Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food.
As an MLA, Ian has served on the Select Standing Committees on Health and Agriculture, Fish and Food, and has held his role as the Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food for 9 years. As part of his role, Ian has travelled extensively throughout British Columbia, meeting directly with farmers and ranchers to better understand the challenges facing the sector. Ian is dedicated to protecting high-quality farmland and Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) lands while reducing barriers that impact farmers. His advocacy also supports strategic value-added processing where appropriate and stronger enforcement of ALR and land-use regulations to preserve British Columbia’s agricultural sector.
Ian brings more than 30 years of experience owning and operating a dairy farm and farm auction business, giving him firsthand knowledge of the realities facing farmers and small businesses. Before being elected to the legislature, Ian served as a Delta Councillor from 2010 to 2018, where he chaired key committees such as the Agricultural Advisory Committee and the Dikes and Drainage Committee. Ian attended the University of British Columbia, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1978. He lives on his family farm in Delta with his wife, Pam.
Deeply involved in his community, Ian has served as the past president of the East Delta Community Hall Society, a director for the BC Youth in Agriculture Foundation, and a volunteer firefighter with Hall 4. He has also supported various local organizations, including Delta Hospital Foundation, REACH Child and Youth Development Society, and the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust.
Ian remains committed to ensuring Delta South has a strong voice in Victoria while protecting the community’s agricultural heritage and quality of life.