Gord Johns is the NDP Member of Parliament for Courtenay–Alberni. First elected to the House of Commons in 2015, he represents a diverse Vancouver Island constituency that includes coastal, rural and Indigenous communities, as well as communities whose economies have long depended on forestry, fisheries, tourism, small business and the responsible development of natural resources.
Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Gord has lived in the Courtenay–Alberni region for more than 30 years and raised his family on the west coast in the territory of the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples. Before entering federal politics, he was a small eco-business owner, a municipal councillor and executive director of the Tofino–Long Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Throughout his time in Parliament, Gord has worked to bring the priorities of Vancouver Island’s coastal communities to national decision-making. His parliamentary work has included advocating for healthy oceans and wild salmon, stronger environmental protections, responsible ship recycling, action on plastic pollution, support for wildland firefighters and greater investment in wildfire prevention and emergency preparedness.
Gord has also promoted the use of waste biomass for clean heat and energy, showing how converting forest residuals and other low-value wood waste into renewable energy can create sustainable employment, reduce hazardous fuel loads and wildfire risk, and strengthen forestry communities when developed in partnership with workers, local governments and First Nations.
He believes that political discourse about energy and the environment has to move beyond polarization and recognize that climate responsibility, economic security, Indigenous rights and regional fairness are all interconnected. He has consistently called for meaningful consultation and partnership with First Nations, respect for Indigenous rights and title, and economic development that earns the confidence and social licence of affected communities.
As a representative of ferry-dependent communities, Gord has highlighted the wide disparity between substantial federal support for Atlantic ferries and the limited funding provided to British Columbia. He argues that BC Ferries are essential marine highways and is calling for fair, stable federal investment that reflects their importance to coastal and rural communities.
In the 45th Parliament, Gord has introduced more bills than any other Member of Parliament. He serves as the NDP critic for Health (including Mental Health and Addictions); Rural, Small Business and Tourism; Fisheries and Oceans; Agriculture; Veteran Affairs; Emergency Preparedness; and Climate Change & Coastal Protection.
Gord brings to the Victoria Forum a distinctly Vancouver Island perspective grounded in community experience, environmental stewardship, reconciliation and the belief that respectful dialogue can help Canadians find practical common ground.
