Although Jack enjoyed the practice of law, his real love was the world of politics. At Jack's funeral, his brother told the story that when Jack was a youngster his mother commented that one day he would be the Prime Minister of Canada. Jack did not make it to Ottawa, but many regarded Jack as the "Prime Minister of Terrace". In 1979 Jack became a councillor for the City of Terrace and remained in that position until he was elected as mayor in 1985. He remained in the position of mayor until 2008 and in so doing became one of the longest serving mayors in British Columbia. During those years he also served on numerous city committees as well as the board of directors of the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine. He served the City of Terrace for 29 years…
For more, read Profile of Jack Talstra from The Advocate, 73 (2015).