John Peter Tanchak (May 7, 1905
The son of Peter Tanchak and Mary Mihaychuk, Tanchak was educated at the University of Manitoba, and worked as a general merchant and turkey farmer before entering political life. In 1934, he married Doris Osachuk. He was first elected to the Manitoba legislature in a by-election on November 14, 1957, as Liberal support plummeted in the province.
During his time in office, he worked to establish chicken and turkey producer boards in the province.
Tanchak was chairman of the Manitoba Turkey Marketing Board and the Canadian Turkey Marketing Association.