In Winnipeg with a strong Courtenay–Alberni delegation at our federal NDP Convention. Proud of the energy, from young leaders to longtime organizers. People want fairness, strong public health care, action on costs & climate. Join us. Let’s build it together.

Day-1 at NDP Convention & the momentum is HUGE. Biggest turnout in 15+ years & tons of young people stepping up. Great to see Jagmeet, and hear powerful words from Wab Kinew. We’re just getting started. This is how we take on the challenges ahead…together. Join us.

I just updated my spreadsheet I've diligently kept since September 2021, tracking the initial vs updated fatality statistics each month. The government is still making updates back to November 2023 - two and a half years ago. Do. Not. Trust. The. Initial. Reports. 3/

Great to see this Hill Times editorial on the NDP’s role in building a fairer Canada. As costs rise and uncertainty grows, our focus remains clear, delivering results on affordability, public health care and stronger services. Progress doesn’t happen by accident, it happens when people push for it.

Scottish guy working for a paper run by an American hedge fund sends his view from the beaches of Costa Rica calling for an end to a key farm policy that benefits Canadian farmers. You can't make this up.

This week, I tabled a petition calling to reinstate the Ghost Gear Fund. I have been advocating relentlessly on this issue. Ghost gear kills marine life, harms habitats and coastal economies. Stable funding for retrieval, prevention and recycling protects our oceans and creates jobs.

I asked what diplomatic initiative Canada is actually leading to stop escalation in the Middle East and reminded the House of our peace keeping history. The Minister pointed to humanitarian concerns and keeping energy flowing through the Strait of Hormuz, not a real plan for diplomacy and peace.

Good discussion with fruit & vegetable growers on regulatory reform. Farmers support strong standards—but need timely, transparent rules so they can focus on growing food, not paperwork. Smart reform strengthens food security, competitiveness & affordability.

Yesterday in the House I spoke about the need to defend evidence-based responses to the toxic drug crisis. Experts are clear supervised consumption services save lives. Cuts and closures in Ontario and Alberta risk more fatal overdoses and strain on emergency services. We must strengthen care.

I was shocked when I read the news of the collision at LaGuardia Airport this morning. My thoughts are with the friends and family of the two pilots who lost their lives in the tragedy, and I hope for a fast recovery of all the workers and passengers onboard.

Great to visit Victoria Shipyards with Minister Khalon. 1,200 workers supporting Canada’s navy, trades & economy. Big opportunities ahead: submarines, workforce training and advancing responsible ship recycling on the west coasti to create good jobs.

Canada’s economy is at a turning point. Join me for federally focused Town Halls on affordability, jobs & local growth. Each event features a different panel + open dialogue. Mark your calendars for 7-8:30 pm on these dates: Apr 1 Port Alberni Apr 2 Courtenay Apr 6 Lantzville Apr 9 Qualicum Beach

Read CFNU President Linda Silas’ latest opinion piece in iPolitics about why PM Mark Carney needs to stand up against two-tier health care in Alberta for the sake of everyone in Canada: www.ipolitics.ca/2026/03/19/c...

Alberta’s Bill 11 opens the door to let a for-profit health care industry to flourish. This for-profit industry is the largest cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States and would be terrible for Canadians. Imagine losing your house because you can’t afford private health insurance premiums!

Thank you to BC Nurses’ Union members Deidre and Ashley, representing mid-Island nurses. We discussed national patient-to-nurse ratios, the mental health and toxic drug crisis, and the need for coordinated action. I appreciated their support for my call for a national toxic drug crisis summit.

Family Day in Qualicum Beach is going ahead, following concerns the popular annual tradition would have to be cancelled due to a lack of an organizing committee. nanaimonewsnow.com/2026/03/22/q...

This EI extension supports displaced forestry workers hit by tariffs and mill closures like Crofton. This took real pressure, workers, PPWC, unions, media, and work in Ottawa. Honoured to help bring people together. Credit to PPWC, BC Ministers Ravi Parmar and Patty Hajdu. @cofcunions.bsky.social

Good meeting with Tseshaht Chief Ken Watts on economic development, housing and marine industry opportunities in the Alberni Valley. Reconciliation means partnership, transparency and ensuring communities can make informed decisions. I’ll keep working to support Tseshaht priorities.

If Canada’s growth rates were positive, the Liberal government wouldn’t take credit……right? Of course they would. So Liberal fans argue if economic numbers are poor, it’s NOT the Liberal government’s responsibility. If numbers are good, it’s DUE to their brilliance. Strange accountability.

Wildland & forest firefighters protect communities during longer, more dangerous wildfire seasons, yet still lack proper federal recognition. I tabled a petition calling for this misclassification to be fixed. Thank you to @NUPGE and @BCGEU for their advocacy.

Called out in the House that Canada opened its market to the U.K. but didn’t secure fair access for our farmers. Government also left in corporate ISDS rules and failed to push on frozen British pensions affecting 100,000+ seniors in Canada. Trade leverage should be used to deliver fairness.

Disinformation from Con MPs re the Pacific Salmon Allocation Policy review is dividing communities. Thanks to Tseshaht FN for sharing the facts. This court-directed process is about conservation, Indigenous rights and a sustainable fishery — not ending recreational fishing or privatizing salmon.

Tabled a petition in the House calling for stronger federal support for recreation facilities in rural and coastal communities. I often use our public pools and hear from seniors and injury survivors how they keep people healthy, connected and independent. Recreation is preventive medicine.

Cuba is on the verge of mass suffering, even deaths, from blackouts caused by the illegal US energy blockade. This is a superpower violating international law against a much smaller state. Where’s the principled condemnation, Mr. Carney? #ForgetDavos

Hey @gordjohns.bsky.social this is a pretty important issue. Not only is this health-related service being allowed to fail, the reason why really does not look good for the government. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... 1/4

Thx to The Hill Times for publishing my op-ed on supply management & the future of Canadian agriculture. Strong public policy has helped keep family farms viable & rural communities thriving. I’ll keep working to ensure farmers in Courtenay–Alberni and across Canada get the support they need.

Together, we can rebuild from the ground up: ✔️ Full-time, on-the-ground, party organizers supporting our ridings; ✔️ Transparent and fast vetting process to have candidates on doors ASAP; ✔️ Focus on competing in 343 ridings, not just targets. Read more: www.heathermcpherson.ca/internal_dem...

Childcare reduces poverty and strengthens local economies. Also talked about the vital role newcomers play in staffing health and frontline services. With only 7 New Democrats in Parliament, we’re fighting to defend public services and human rights. We need people to stay engaged. 2/2 #CUPE

Good meeting in Ottawa with CUPE reps, who speak for 800,000 public service workers. We discussed pressures facing childcare, health care and other essential services. In BC, $10-a-day childcare is transforming lives, but expansion depends on Ottawa keeping its funding commitments. 1/2

Great meeting with Chief Councillor Wilfred Cootes and the team from the Uchucklesaht Tribe Government to discuss economic development and housing initiatives. I also had the chance to try the new carbonated spring water from Thunderbird Spirit Water sourced from Henderson Lake.

Today's jobs report is deeply alarming: ➡️84,000 jobs lost ➡️108,000 full-time positions erased ➡️youth unemployment is skyrocketing The Liberals are making this jobs crisis worse with cuts and austerity. The NDP is demanding better. My full statement: www.ndp.ca/news/ndp-lea...

Great to join the Broadbent Institute’s Progress Summit in Ottawa last week, an inspiring gathering of progressives sharing ideas and policies to challenge the status quo and build a fairer future. Grateful for the Institute’s work and for the lasting legacy of Ed Broadbent.

It’s troubling that not a single Conservative MP has raised this, despite getting about 28× more QP questions than New Democrats. Salmon are central to our region. This review must put conservation first, respect Indigenous rights and ensure fairness. I’ll keep pushing for answers. 2/2

Today in Question Period I again pressed the government to come clean about the Pacific salmon allocation policy review. People across Vancouver Island are tired of confusion & misinformation. Recreational fishing supports jobs and small businesses, yet silence from Ottawa is fuelling uncertainty.

I met with Health Minister Michel re NDP priorities for strengthening public health care, incl mental health parity, brain injury supports, universal pharmacare & dental care, action on the toxic drug crisis, protecting public delivery vs. private and online gambling.

I met with Cuban Ambassador Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz to discuss the Trump blockade of oil, a violation of international law. Fuel shortages and power outages are hitting hospitals, schools, businesses & families. New Democrats are calling on Canada to help ensure humanitarian fuel supplies reach Cuba.

Opinion: New Democrats will always support and defend supply management By NDP MP Gord Johns www.hilltimes.com/story/2026/0...

Great meeting with Jasmine Tomczyk, a passionate young Oceanside community advocate to talk about food security, regenerative agriculture, and supporting local farmers. Food is a human right and building strong, sustainable local food systems is key to healthy communities and climate resilience.

Great visiting L'Arche Comox Valley in Courtenay and meeting with residents and ED Lynda Brosko. Their Anchorage Project would create supportive housing and community space for adults with diverse abilities. I’m continuing to advocate in Ottawa for federal support through CMHC.

Last week at committee (OGGO) I asked Transportation Safety Board Chair about Canada’s readiness for marine emergencies. After spills like ZIM Kingston, warnings persist. Too often First Nations, volunteers, and coastal communities bear the burden when disasters happen.Time for Canada to fix this.

Happy International Women’s Day. Today we celebrate the leadership, resilience, & contributions of women and girls in our communities and around the world. It’s also a time to recommit to advancing equality, protecting hard-won rights, and ensuring every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive.

At committee last week I questioned TSB Chair Yoan Marier about safety concerns in Tofino Harbour after the 2021 floatplane/water taxi collision. Communities shouldn’t be left to navigate federal safety systems. Ottawa must provide the tools and $$$ support needed to keep people safe.

Great meeting with Daniella Novak from the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce. We talked about supporting local businesses, strengthening partnerships with the Town, and the Chamber’s important role connecting entrepreneurs in the community. Also, possibly the best Chamber office view anywhere!

Mental health care must be treated as health care, with parity in our system. I met with Sarah Kennell and SM Leduc from the Canadian Mental Health Association to discuss the need for federal leadership before nearly $600M in agreements expire in 2027. Canadians deserve timely, accessible care.

Port Alberni is sending one of our own to the world stage, and we couldn’t be prouder. 🇨🇦 Chase Nicklin is heading to the 2026 Winter Paralympics tomorrow, representing the grit and heart of the Alberni Valley. Let’s make some noise at home. Go Chase! Go Canada! 🍁

Nowhere has the “free market” solved an affordable housing crisis alone. As I noted Netherlands 34% non-market housing, Denmark 21%, Britain 16%, France 17%. Canada sits at just 3.4%. We need a real plan to scale co-ops, public and geared-to-income homes, with federal investment to match the crisis.

The NDP strongly condemns the American and Israeli bombings of Iran. This is a dangerous escalation already causing a wider conflict. Iran’s nuclear program must be addressed through the UN and the IAEA. Diplomacy, accountability and international law, not more war.

Saturday I joined the Coldest Night walk in Port Alberni. So proud of our riding with 3 events and communities showing up. Grateful to the organizers, volunteers and donors. Funds raised in Port Alberni supported Sage Haven and their vital work which strengthens families and our whole community.

The cuts have finally come to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Recently, more than 665 employees have lost their jobs, and we now know that seven research facilities across the country are slated for closure. www.nfu.ca/canadian-gov...

Today pharmacare begins in B.C. New Democrats used our leverage in the House of Commons to force the Liberals to deliver this program. Hundreds of thousands will now receive free diabetes medications & menopausal hormone therapy. No more choosing between food and prescriptions. #Pharmacare