Representative Gord Johns Contact information

Gord Johns, born on November 29, 1969, is a Canadian businessman and politician. He has been serving as the New Democrat Member of Parliament for the federal electoral riding of Courtenay—Alberni in the House of Commons of Canada since 2015. Before entering federal politics, he worked as a town councillor for Tofino, British Columbia, and also established several small businesses.

Born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia, Gord Johns attended Mount Douglas Secondary School and Camosun College. He later moved to Tofino, where he opened a store specializing in sustainable products. Over a span of 13 years, he successfully operated the store and expanded with other locations in Victoria and Whistler. He also owned an art gallery called Cedar Corner Art Gallery in Tofino. Alongside managing his businesses, Johns served as a municipal councillor for the District of Tofino from 2008 to 2011. He then took on the role of executive director of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce until his nomination as the NDP candidate in the 2015 federal election.

During his political career, Gord Johns has been an advocate for various causes. In the 42nd and 43rd Canadian Parliaments, he introduced the National Cycling Strategy Act as private member bills, aiming to promote the development of cycling infrastructure. He has served as the NDP critic for small business, tourism, veterans affairs, and later on fisheries and oceans. Johns also introduced a private member bill to increase tax credits for firefighter and search and rescue volunteers and reintroduced a bill on requiring closed containment facilities for commercial finfish aquaculture.

Gord Johns has been actively involved in addressing climate change and conservation issues. He has advocated for greater protections for Vancouver Island old-growth forests and has been vocal about the risks of expanding Canada’s petroleum exports and developing bitumen pipelines. He has called for a Green New Deal policy, including support for workers transitioning into green industries and government efforts to meet climate targets and end subsidies for oil and gas companies. Johns has supported local green projects and coordinated events highlighting the significance of Canada’s biospheres in conservation and sustainable development.

As the NDP critic for Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, Gord Johns has been a strong advocate for west-coast fishers and the protection of Canada’s waters. He has called for significant reforms to protect wild Pacific salmon and has been critical of the impact of open-net fish farming on wild species. Johns has also pushed for reforms in fishing quota models, called for an emergency aid package for wild salmon populations, and advocated for greater support for individuals working in the fishing industry, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has been vocal about the need for coastal communities to address abandoned vessels and has worked to restore Coast Guard stations on Vancouver Island.

Cycling advocacy has been another focus of Gord Johns’ work. He introduced bills for a national cycling strategy and embarked on a bike tour of his riding to promote physical activity and hear local concerns. He has been a supporter of Indigenous rights, investments for Indigenous communities, and reconciliation. Johns has advocated for Nuu-chah-nulth nations in their legal battle over fishing rights and has called for government support for Indigenous-led businesses and the Indigenous tourism industry.

Throughout his career, Gord Johns has been a dedicated and passionate advocate for his constituents and a vocal proponent of environmental and social issues. He continues to serve as the Member of Parliament for Courtenay—Alberni, working towards positive change and representing the interests of his community.

Political Career Gord Johns, born on November 29, 1969, is a Canadian businessman and politician who has made significant contributions to public service. Since 2015, he has been the New Democrat Member of Parliament (MP) representing the federal electoral riding of Courtenay—Alberni in the House of Commons of Canada.

Before entering federal politics, Gord Johns served as a town councillor for Tofino, British Columbia, where he actively participated in local governance. He also demonstrated his entrepreneurial skills by founding several small businesses. Notably, he opened a store specializing in sustainable products in Tofino, which he successfully ran for 13 years. He expanded his business ventures by opening additional locations called Fiber Options and Eco-Everything in Victoria and Whistler. Furthermore, Gord Johns owned and operated the Cedar Corner Art Gallery in Tofino for several years, showcasing local artwork. Unfortunately, due to market downturns, his stores were unable to sustain profitability and closed their doors in 2010. During this period, alongside running his businesses, Gord Johns raised three children and served one term as a municipal councillor for the District of Tofino from 2008 to 2011.

Following his tenure as a municipal councillor, Gord Johns assumed the role of executive director of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, where he worked until his nomination as the New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate in the federal election in 2014. Notably, he volunteered with the West Coast Recreation Society, advocating for the development of a West Coast Multiplex facility to promote recreational opportunities in the region.

In November 2014, Gord Johns secured the NDP nomination for the 2015 federal election, emerging as the preferred candidate over City of Courtenay councillor Ronna-Rae Leonard. During the general election campaign, he faced incumbent John Duncan of the Conservative Party, Parksville councillor Carrie Powell-Davidson of the Liberal Party, Glen Sollitt, a seafood-distribution business owner representing the Green Party, and Barbara Biley from the Marxist-Leninist Party, who worked as a healthcare professional. Initially, Gord Johns was considered a front-runner, but as the campaign progressed, he faced tough competition due to a surge in Green Party support on Vancouver Island and growing Liberal support nationally.

Gord Johns emerged victorious in the 2015 federal election, securing his seat as the MP for Courtenay—Alberni. However, his party, the NDP, became the third party in the House of Commons, with the Liberal Party forming a majority government. Gord Johns wasted no time in establishing his presence and commitment to public service, opening his constituency office in Parksville.

During the 42nd Canadian Parliament, Gord Johns played an active role in parliamentary affairs. Initially appointed by NDP leader Tom Mulcair as the critic for small business and tourism, he continued in this position when Jagmeet Singh became the NDP leader. Singh also added veterans affairs to Gord Johns’ portfolio. In his role as the Veterans Affairs critic, Gord Johns successfully moved a motion in the House of Commons, unanimously passed, which called for the government to carry forward all annual lapsed spending at the Department of Veterans Affairs to the next fiscal year. This motion aimed to ensure that veterans receive the support and resources they deserve.

Throughout his tenure, Gord Johns introduced a private member bill, the National Cycling Strategy Act (Bill C-312), during the 42nd Parliament. This bill sought to compel the federal government to develop and implement a strategy to enhance cycling infrastructure and promote road safety through a review of regulations and standards. Gord Johns’ commitment to cycling advocacy was further exemplified when he embarked on a 13-day cycling tour of his riding in 2017, promoting active transportation and engaging

with constituents.

In the 43rd Canadian Parliament, Gord Johns continued to serve as the critic for small business, tourism, and veterans affairs. However, in early 2020, he assumed a new role as the critic for fisheries, oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard. In this capacity, Gord Johns has been a vocal advocate for sustainable fisheries, the protection of wild Pacific salmon, and reforms in the aquaculture industry. He has called for increased support for fishing communities, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has been critical of the impact of open-net fish farming on wild salmon populations. Gord Johns has also advocated for improvements to fishing quota models and has introduced a private member bill to require closed containment facilities for commercial finfish aquaculture.

Furthermore, Gord Johns has been an active proponent of environmental and climate change issues. He has been a vocal critic of expanding Canada’s petroleum exports and the development of bitumen pipelines, emphasizing the need for a transition to renewable energy sources. He has called for a Green New Deal policy, supporting investments in renewable energy and green industries while ensuring a just transition for workers. Gord Johns has also been dedicated to protecting Vancouver Island’s old-growth forests, advocating for stronger conservation measures and the preservation of these valuable ecosystems.

Gord Johns’ political career has been marked by his commitment to his constituents, his advocacy for social and environmental issues, and his efforts to promote sustainable economic development. As the Member of Parliament for Courtenay—Alberni, he continues to represent his constituents’ interests, contributing to the legislative process and striving to make a positive impact on the issues that matter to Canadians.