John Simpson (December 27, 1807 – September 19, 1878) was a businessman and political figure in Canada West.
He was born in Helmsley, Yorkshire, England in 1807 and came to Niagara in Upper Canada in 1835 where he entered business as a bookseller.
He also published some other works, including The Canadian mercantile almanack, and became sole owner of the newspaper in 1839.
Later that year, he resigned his seat, allowing William McDougall to enter the cabinet and the newly-formed Great Coalition.
He was appointed deputy auditor general and served in that post until his death in Ottawa in 1878.