Gord Johns | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of Parliament forCourtenay—Alberni | |
| Assumed office October 19, 2015 | |
| Preceded by | Riding Established |
| Tofino Town Councillor | |
| In office December 1, 2008 – December 5, 2011 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1969-11-29)November 29, 1969 (age 55)[1] |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Political party | New Democratic Party |
Gord JohnsMP (born November 29, 1969) is aCanadian politician and businessman. A member of theNew Democratic Party (NDP), he has served as theMember of Parliament (MP) forCourtenay—Alberni since the2015 federal election. He was re-elected in2019,2021 and2025.
Johns previously served as a town councillor forTofino,British Columbia, and founded a small business.[2][3]
Johns was born and raised inVictoria, British Columbia. He graduated fromMount Douglas Secondary School, where he was valedictorian, and then earned a degree atCamosun College.[4] He has three children.[5]
For 13 years Johns operated a store specializing insustainable products inTofino. Over time he expanded the business with additional locations inVictoria andWhistler.[6] However, the business ceased operations in 2010, due to the effects of the2008-2009 recession.[7] He also owned a small art gallery inTofino for several years.[8]
Johns served one term as a municipal councillor for theDistrict of Tofino from 2008 to 2011. He did not seek re-election, and subsequently joined the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce as the executive director.[9] During this time, Johns also was the project manager of West Coast Multiplex Society, advocating for the construction of a multipurpose recreation facility.[10]
Johns won theNDP nomination for the newly-createdCourtenay—Alberni in November 2014.[2] In the2015 federal election he facedConservative Party candidateJohn Duncan, who had previously been MP ofVancouver Island North, out of whichCourtenay—Alberni was created.[2][11] Johns won the election, receiving 38.1% of the vote.[12]
Johns was appointed critic for small business and tourism by NDP leaderTom Mulcair.[13] AfterJagmeet Singh succeeded Mulcair, Singh retained Johns as critic for small business and tourism and added veterans affairs to his portfolio.[14] As veteran affairs critic he introduced a motion to automatically carry forward all annual lapsed spending at the Department of Veterans Affairs to the next fiscal year, which was unanimously passed by theHouse of Commons.[15]
During the42nd Canadian Parliament Johns introduced aprivate member's bill theNational Cycling Strategy Act (Bill C-312), which would have required the federal government to develop and implement a strategy to facilitate the development of cycling infrastructure, including a review of regulations and standards. However, the bill did not advance beyond first reading.[16]
Johns served as the vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs and the vice-chair on the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans. In November 2017, Johns introduced M-151 requesting the federal government work with provinces, municipalities, and Indigenous communities to develop a national strategy to combatplastic pollution in aquatic environments. M-151 was voted on December 22, 2018, and unanimously passed.[17] Subsequently, the federal government announced on June 10, 2019, that it planned to introduce a national ban onsingle-use plastics by 2021, includingplastic bags,straws,cutlery, plates and stir sticks.[18] The passing of the motion also caused municipalities and provinces to act by implementing various plastics bans.Prince Edward Island andNewfoundland and Labrador both became the first provinces to ban plastic bags.[19] Two days before the federal announcement on banning single-use plastics,Tofino andUcluelet officially became the first two municipalities in B.C. to implement bans on single-use plastic bags and plastic straws.[20]
Johns presented two other motions in the House of Commons but neither came to a vote. A year after thesinking of the Leviathan II, Johns' motion M-46 requested the federal government allocate resources for training and equipment to volunteer first responders in remote coastal communities. Later, on June 12, 2019, Johns' motion M-245 requested the government to bring Canada'sseafood labelling and traceability regulations in line with international standards.[21]
Johns was re-elected in the2019 federal election, receiving 41.2% of the vote.[22]
Following the election, Johns remained critic for small business, tourism and economic development and was appointed critic for fisheries and oceans as well deputy-critic for Indigenous-Crown relations and Indigenous services.[23] Johns reintroduced hisNational Cycling Strategy Act as aprivate member's bill. While it was not brought to a vote, the government began work on a national active transportation strategy.[24]
Johns also introduced private member's bill C-264 which sought to amend theIncome Tax Act to increase both the volunteer firefighter tax credit and the search and rescue volunteer tax credit from $3,000 to $10,000, following up on his motion M-46 from the previous Parliament.[25] In November 2020, he re-introduced private member bill C-257 to amend theFisheries Act to require commercialfinfishaquaculture only take place in closed containment facilities, which had previously been introduced in the previous three parliaments by fellow NDP memberFin Donnelly.[26]
Johns was again re-elected in the2021 federal election, receiving 44.2% of the vote.[27]
Following the election, Johns was appointed theNew Democratic Party critic for Mental Health and Harm Reduction, the critic for Procurement and the Public Service, and remained the deputy-critic for Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.[28] Johns was a member of the multi-partisan Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates,[29] and a member of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group, among others.[30]
During the first session of the 44th Parliament, Johns introduced private member's bill(Bill C-216) to amend theControlled Drugs and Substances Act.[31] It consisted of three parts: the decriminalization of drug possession, expungement of criminal records for all Canadians with drug possession convictions, and the establishment of aNational Strategy on Substance Use Act.[31] The bill was defeated at the second reading.[32][33]
Johns proposed five private member's motions in the 44th Parliament, none of which were debated.[21]
Johns was re-elected in the2025 federal election, receiving 39.6% of the vote. He was the onlyNDP MP elected onVancouver Island as the party lost several previously held seats in the region.[34]
Johns supports aharm reduction approach to theopioid crisis inBritish Columbia, including thedecriminalization of personal possession ofopioids.[35] In 2018, he called the opioid crisis the greatest emergency facing residents in theAlberni Valley, as opioid deaths in the region are 50% higher than the provincial average.[35] In December 2018, Johns presented a petition with over 3,000 signatures to theHouse of Commons, calling on the government to address opioids as a National Public Health Emergency.[36]
In the44th Parliament, Johns called for an audit of the government's response to the toxic drug crisis after data revealed that 32,632 Canadians died due to drug poisoning between January 2016 and June 2022.[37] Johns also introduced a private member's bill(Bill C-216) to amend theControlled Drugs and Substances Act to decriminalize drug possession and implement a health-based approach to substance use.[31]
During theCOVID-19 pandemic, Johns called for greater mental health and addiction services, highlighting challenges faced by individuals in indigenous and remote communities.[38][39] Johns also participated in a 2020men's mental health awareness campaign.[40]
In September 2022, Johns tabledprivate member's motion M-67 which recognized that Canada is experiencing a mental health and substance use crisis and called on the government to expand funding for mental health services and mental illness prevention.[41] However, the motion never went beyond tabling.[42]
Johns has also advocated for improved mental health treatment for frontline service workers, Black public servants, and other vulnerable groups.[43][44]
In February 2021, Johns tabled a motion (M-73) urging the government to work with provinces and territories to establish a national strategy for the reintegration of workers who became mentally or physically impaired while employed and were at risk of losing their job.[45][46]
In February 2022, Johns advocated for greater support for healthcare workers following thepandemic.[47] In 2023, Johns tabled Bill C-213, which would have established a universal, single-payer,Pharmacare plan.[48][49] Johns had previously presented a petition in 2020 calling for universal pharmacare.[50]
Johns has advocated for addressingclimate change and advancingwildlife conservation. As a municipal councillor inTofino, Johns supported increased protections against logging inClayoquot Sound.[51]
As the executive director of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce Johns directed the chamber's opposition to the B.C. Chamber of Commerce's support of theTrans Mountain pipeline expansion.[52] He continued his opposition as an MP, criticizing theLiberal government's approval of the expansion, labelling it a "betrayal" to B.C. residents.[53]
Johns has called for greater support for workers transitioning out of carbon intensive industries, federal support for companies developing green technologies, and supports for local green entrepreneurs.[54] He has also called for increased government efforts to meet its climate targets,[55] and has advocated for the government to follow through on its promise to end subsidies for oil and gas companies.[56]
Johns has also been involved in coordinating the Canadian Biosphere Day on the Hill, which recognized the significance of Canada'sbiospheres in conservation, sustainable development, and reconciliation.[57]
In early 2023, Johns petitioned the Federal government for legislation requiring every MP to consult with their riding's environmental youth leadership prior to bringing any greenhouse gas emissions bills forward to a second reading. The goal of this proposal was to ensure that Canadian youth, who lack direct representation in Parliament but will be significantly affected by the climate crisis, have a voice in the legislative process.[58]
As an MP, Johns has supported a group of fiveNuu-chah-nulth nations within his riding in their years-long legal dispute with theGovernment of Canada over the right to catch and sell fish in their territory.[59] Johns lamented the expenditure of millions of dollars in legal fees despite repeated rulings by the courts affirming theirIndigenous rights.[60] He has also criticized the federal government for pursuing litigation in theHuu-ay-aht First Nation's challenge on logging rights.[61]
Johns has also advocated for Indigenous-led businesses. During theCOVID-19 pandemic Johns called for funding support for the Indigenous tourism sector numerous times,[62] and successfully assisted theHuu-ay-aht First Nation secure federal funding after they had originally been denied the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy.[63]
Following the sinking on the Leviathan II, Johns called for increased investment in theCanadian Coast Guard to better serve remote Indigenous communities in emergency situations.[64] Johns has also advocated for reforms to addresspolice brutality following the death of Chantal Moore, aNuu-chah-nulth woman, killed during a wellness check inNew Brunswick.[65] Johns echoed the calls of Indigenous leaders to invite theUnited Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to studysystemic racism in Canada.[66] In October 2020, Johns wrote to theSpeaker of the House of Commons, calling for an emergency debate after escalating violence againstMi'kmaq fishers inNova Scotia.[67][68]
Johns called for a formal apology from theCatholic Church and greater action from the federal government to address the legacy of theCanadian Indian residential school system.[69] In collaboration withAmnesty International, he presented a petition to theHouse of Commons requesting a formal apology from the government for theSixties Scoop.[70]
The Council of Ha'wiih, theNuu-chah-nulthhereditary chiefs, gave Johns the name, "ciqh=sii", which means speaker of the Ha'wiih (hereditary Chiefs) and received their endorsement in the 2015 and 2019 general elections.[71][72]
Johns supported the request of theTseshaht First Nation for a healing center upon the grounds on the Alberni Indian Residential School, where 17 suspected unmarked graves have been identified and at least 67 students who died while at the school.[73][74]
As theNDP Critic for Veterans Affairs, Johns served as a vice-chair for the House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs.[75] Johns seconded two privates member's bills which sought to help end discrimination against veterans and their families.[76]
Johns has hosted public discussions in his riding to listen to veterans' concerns, particularly related to difficulties in accessing services.[77] He was acknowledged by Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences for his assistance securing funding for a program to help train disabled veterans.[78] Johns was also critical of the government's approach to funding veterans pensions, arguing that the approach would lead to a discriminatory three-tiered system for veterans benefits.[79] Johns was supportive of additional funding provided to localRoyal Canadian Legion branches in his riding during theCOVID-19 pandemic.[80]
Johns was recognized by his constituent, a veteran, for helping him and his son attend the 75th anniversary of theJuno Beach landing alongsideWorld War II survivors and Prime MinisterJustin Trudeau.[81]
Johns has called for increased investment inaffordable housing inCourtenay—Alberni,[82] highlighting the lack of affordable housing in the region and its harm on the local economy, pushing for collaborative efforts between governments.[83]
Johns has supported local infrastructure projects, such as the Port Alberni Transhipment Hub (Path),[84] Somass habitat restoration project,[85] and helped break ground on a new water treatment plant.[86] He advocated for investment from the federal government for the Alberni Valley Regional Airport.[87]
During the COVID pandemic he called on individuals who could help to support local food banks.[88] He has also pushed for the federal government to help provinces develop Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon Programs to support farmers' markets and strengthen food security through his motion M-78 in 2021.[89]
During the 2015 election, Johns advocated for the restoration ofCoast Guard stations onVancouver Island, which had been closed under theConservative government ofStephen Harper.[90] Following the election, Johns alongside fellowNew Democratic Party MPRachel Blaney advocated for theLiberal government to halt the closure of theComox Coast Guard station, and consider reopening theUcluelet station.[91] Although the station was not reopened, Johns helped push for the transfer of the building to theGovernment of British Columbia andUcluelet.[92]
Johns called for large changes to wildPacific Salmon protections, including investments in the restoration, enhancement and protection of salmon habitat and increasing community input into the government's quota policies.[93] He has called on the federal government to work with the Province of British Columbia and local First Nations to transition from open net operations to land-based facilities.[94] Johns has warned of a complete a complete collapse of wild salmon populations without adequate action.[95] Johns has also pushed for a moratorium on the roe herring fishery in the Salish Sea.[96]
As a member of the parliamentary Committee on Fisheries and Oceans studies (FOPO), Johns helped to successfully facilitate the passage of S-203, which banned the captivity ofCetaceans. For his work helping pass this bill, Johns was among the recipients of the 2020 Humane Canada Animal Welfare Leadership and Innovation Award.[97]
During theCOVID-19 pandemic, Johns called on the government to help prawn fishers better access the Canadian market by allowing the sale of "frozen-at-sea" prawns.[98]
Johns has advocated for a coordinated effort from all levels of government to address abandoned vessels in coastal waters, particularly in Deep Bay.[99]
In September 2022, Johns tabled two motions advocating for ocean protection. M-68 sought to promote the dismantling end-of-life marine vessels, including creating environmental and social standards as well as monetary assistance.[100] M-69 sought to commit the government to a moratorium on deep seabed mining in the international seabed.[101]
In 2020, Johns called for the government to increase investment by build a universal child care and early learning system.[102] He has called for more federal support for childcare following theCOVID-19 pandemic.[103]
Johns has proposed theNational Cycling Strategy Act, aPrivate member's bill in both the42nd and43rd Parliament. In 2017, to bring awareness to his efforts he cycled a 13-day tour of his riding, which included the first visit by an MP toHesquiaht, a First Nations community located onVancouver Island.[104][105]
Johns has been a long-time member of the All-Party Cycling Caucus, a group of Canadian parliamentarians who promote cycling infrastructure and work with cycling organizations and programs.[106]
In 2025, Johns supported efforts to position Port Alberni as a potential training base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.[107] On May 20, members of the Alberni Valley FIFA 2026 Organizing Committee met with Johns at Steampunk Café in Port Alberni to discuss the host city offer and facility assessments for sites like Bob Dailey Stadium; attendees included Committee Chair Terry Deakin, Councillor Deb Haggard, and Abu Jahangir (co-lead and general secretary).[108][109] Johns publicly endorsed the bid on social media, emphasizing economic benefits for the community and youth soccer development, and encouraged ongoing evaluations by FIFA Canada.[110] In July, FIFA World Cup officials toured and assessed facilities in Port Alberni as part of the bid process.[111]
As critic for small business and tourism, Johns called for theLiberal government to enact a campaign promise to cut the small business tax rate.[112] In 2017, after the Liberal government proposed tax reforms impacting small businesses, Johns proposed that the allocated consultation time with small businesses be increased and extended beyond the summer to allow for more engagement.[113] He also called for the reforms to include larger corporations.[113]
During theCOVID-19 pandemic, Johns advocated for emergency benefits for small businesses.[114] He also called forBC Ferries, to be included in the emergency wage subsidy program, highlighting their role connectingVancouver Island and theLower Mainland.[115] Johns also advocated for an expansion of wage subsidy to more entities, while maintaining accountability.[116] He also called on the government to work with Canada's banks to lower interest rates for small businesses, to limit their ability to profit from the administration of loan programs on behalf of the government.[117] Johns also advocated in Parliament to waive the sales tax on gift cards sold prior to the 2020 holiday season, as a means of helping struggling small businesses during the holiday season.[118]
At the beginning of the 42nd parliament Johns assisted in the reconstitution of the Entrepreneur Caucus.[119]
Johns introduced motion (M-151), calling for the government to work collaboratively with provinces, municipalities and Indigenous communities to develop a national strategy to combat plastic pollution in and around aquatic environments, after 35 shipping containers broke apart and washed ashore onVancouver Island.[17][120] The motion was passed unanimously.[121]
Johns has supported single-use plastic bans in local communities includingQualicum Beach[122] andCumberland.[123] He has also helped organize local beach cleanup efforts.[124]
Johns pushed for the Canadian government to includeplastic waste as a toxic substance under theBasel Convention, after a conflict with thePhilippines after a Canadian shipment of waste was left inManila.[125]
| 2025 Canadian federal election:Courtenay—Alberni | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ** Preliminary results — Not yet official ** | ||||||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | Expenditures | |||
| New Democratic | Gord Johns | 31,612 | 39.58 | –3.30 | ||||
| Conservative | Kris McNichol | 27,602 | 34.56 | +3.26 | ||||
| Liberal | Brian Cameron | 18,209 | 22.80 | +9.19 | ||||
| Green | Chris Markevich | 1,752 | 2.19 | –4.86 | ||||
| People's | Thomas Gamble | 427 | 0.53 | –4.47 | ||||
| Animal Protection | Teresa Knight | 195 | 0.24 | N/A | ||||
| Christian Heritage | Jesse Musial | 69 | 0.09 | N/A | ||||
| Total valid votes/expense limit | ||||||||
| Total rejected ballots | ||||||||
| Turnout | 79,866 | 74.16 | ||||||
| Eligible voters | 107,691 | |||||||
| New Democraticnotional hold | Swing | –3.28 | ||||||
| Source:Elections Canada[126][127] | ||||||||
| 2021 Canadian federal election:Courtenay—Alberni | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | Expenditures | |||
| New Democratic | Gord Johns | 30,612 | 44.2 | +3.0 | $97,029.16 | |||
| Conservative | Mary Lee | 22,181 | 32.0 | -1.1 | $108,059.72 | |||
| Liberal | Susan Farlinger | 9,276 | 13.4 | +1.5 | $37,061.04 | |||
| Green | Susanne Lawson | 3,590 | 5.2 | -8.3 | $9,378.63 | |||
| People's | Robert Eppich | 3,467 | 5.0 | N/A | $6,474.87 | |||
| Marxist–Leninist | Barbara Biley | 124 | 0.2 | ±0.0 | $0.00 | |||
| Total valid votes/expense limit | 69,250 | 99.7 | – | $131.260.27 | ||||
| Total rejected ballots | 215 | 0.3 | ||||||
| Turnout | 69,465 | 65.8 | ||||||
| Eligible voters | 105,605 | |||||||
| New Democratichold | Swing | +2.1 | ||||||
| Source:Elections Canada[128] | ||||||||
| 2019 Canadian federal election:Courtenay—Alberni | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | Expenditures | |||
| New Democratic | Gord Johns | 29,790 | 41.21 | +3.16 | $120,371.26 | |||
| Conservative | Byron Horner | 23,936 | 33.12 | +4.89 | $93,314.71 | |||
| Green | Sean Wood | 9,762 | 13.51 | +1.76 | $15,677.21 | |||
| Liberal | Jonah Baden Gowans | 8,620 | 11.93 | -9.85 | $13,538.18 | |||
| Marxist–Leninist | Barbara Biley | 172 | 0.24 | +0.04 | ||||
| Total valid votes/expense limit | 72,280 | 99.51 | ||||||
| Total rejected ballots | 359 | 0.49 | +0.23 | |||||
| Turnout | 72,639 | 71.40 | -4.50 | |||||
| Eligible voters | 101,730 | |||||||
| New Democratichold | Swing | -0.87 | ||||||
| Source:Elections Canada[129][130] | ||||||||
| 2015 Canadian federal election:Courtenay—Alberni | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | Expenditures | |||
| New Democratic | Gord Johns | 26,582 | 38.06 | -2.66 | $124,072.44 | |||
| Conservative | John Duncan | 19,714 | 28.22 | -16.66 | $92,251.34 | |||
| Liberal | Carrie Powell-Davidson | 15,212 | 21.78 | +15.06 | $32,002.88 | |||
| Green | Glenn Sollitt | 8,201 | 11.74 | +4.89 | $124,891.17 | |||
| Marxist–Leninist | Barbara Biley | 140 | 0.20 | – | – | |||
| Total valid votes/expense limit | 69,849 | 99.74 | $231,958.67 | |||||
| Total rejected ballots | 185 | 0.26 | – | |||||
| Turnout | 70,034 | 75.90 | – | |||||
| Eligible voters | 92,266 | |||||||
| New Democraticnotional gain fromConservative | Swing | -7.00 | ||||||
| This riding was created fromNanaimo—Alberni andVancouver Island North, both of which elected a Conservative candidate in the last election.John Duncan was the incumbent from Vancouver Island North. | ||||||||
| Source:Elections Canada[131][132][133] | ||||||||
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)Thanks to Abu Jahangir, co-lead and general secretary of the organizing committee for leading the charge along with Terry Deakin and Councilor Deb Haggard. As Abu says, "this is an important milestone toward placing Port Alberni on the global soccer stage." I have promised to help in any way possible, of course.
{{cite web}}:|last= has generic name (help)