It was great to be back home in the riding to see real innovation in action at IGV Housing in Port Alberni where I watched its very first “Core” system come off the line, and I have to say, it was impressive. This is about local solutions and good jobs.

Great to meet Carmine Santoro in Ottawa, longtime advocate for firefighters. We discussed cancer risks, PTSD supports, and new hazards like lithium-ion fires. On International Firefighters’ Day, thank you to all who serve and protect our communities. Your work matters.

I was pleased to co-host a reception with parliamentary colleagues & advocates pushing to end animal testing in Canada. Thanks to Animal Justice, Humane Canada & SPCA Montreal for organizing an important conversation. We have humane alternatives. What’s missing? Political will. Let’s get this done.

Mental health is part of your health. It should be part of our publicly-funded healthcare system. What do we think is worth spending money on in this country? Why does this government have billions available for major projects and for bullets and bombs but not for projects that benefit all of us?

Met with Oceana Canada's Kim Elmslie & Jack Daly re their forage fish report--90% of these key stocks aren’t healthy & critical to rebuilding our oceans. Only 30/about 200 stocks are protected. I’ll be asking the Minister when the remaining fish stocks will be protected under the Fisheries Act?

For 3 weeks, I have pushed late-night debates in the House for real pharmacare. Canadians were promised universal access. Instead: a patchwork where your postal code determines care. Provinces like NL are ready to negotiate, but the gov’t won’t meet. I’ll keep fighting.

I condemn the Israeli assault on the Global Sumud Flotilla, a peaceful civilian humanitarian initiative. The unlawful detention of flotilla participants in international waters violates international law. 1/2

Avi Lewis on the government's plan to privatize airports: "Workers always pay the price in privatization schemes and the public always ends up paying more in the end ... history is littered with examples of the failures of privatization."

Robert Fife: "Canada's always had a strong left-wing voting bloc ... Avi Lewis is articulate. He's putting out policies that will appeal to a lot of people on the Left. I think he has an opportunity to bring the [NDP] back."

This morning on Parliament Hill, I joined Avi Lewis and advocates from CAMIMH to push for urgent action on mental health. Canada spends just 6.3%. I’m calling for a 12% target. Mental health care is health care, and it should be there for you when you need it.

The PM can’t claim pharmacare is for “all Canadians” one day, then still exclude NL & Labrador and Nova Scotia the next. That’s not nation-building, it’s a patchwork. No one should be denied meds because of where they live. Fix it and deliver for everyone. #Pharmacare #cdnpoli #HealthEquity

NDP Leader Avi Lewis calls for more funding for mental health – April 30, 2026

Reposting this great speech from my friend Gord Johns, "will we keep doubling down on costly, risky fossil fuel projects that ignore Indigenous rights and put taxpayers on the hook, or will we choose a path that respects communities, protects our climate, and invests in a sustainable future?"

This week in Ottawa, Youth Climate Corps BC centred connection. We’re grateful for the time and engagement of leaders like Senator Mary Coyle, MP Bruce Fanjoy, MP Brendan E. Hanley and MP Gord Johns who are helping shape the future of climate and workforce development in Canada. #youthclimatecorps

www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjFv... MP Gord Johns presents petition calling for reversal of AAFC research cuts. #agpoli #canpoli

Underinvestment in mental health is costing Canada: NDP’s Gord Johns « Canada’s NDP

NDP MP Gord Johns: "Only 6.3% of healthcare spending in Canada is directed to mental health services. This is well below what many Western countries spend on mental health."

The Liberal gov’t is stripping Commissionaires’ contracts, jobs Veterans rely on, and calling it “modernization.” That’s out of touch. This risks handing work to for-profit firms while Veterans lose stable employment. This isn’t modernization. It’s abandonment.

After 2 years of pushing, we’re finally seeing progress on the Disability Tax Credit, less paperwork, fewer delays. But it’s not enough. If you’re recognized as disabled provincially, approval should be automatic. And $200/month isn’t nearly enough, as Avi says, it’s “legislated poverty”.

Stopped by a CPAC-TV reporter this week on a “sovereignty fund” for pipelines. This isn’t the Norway model at all. Public dollars shouldn’t bankroll oil profits while Canadians take the risk. Invest in clean energy, good jobs, and a real future.

Mourning without action is not enough. The greatest tribute to the fallen is to make sure that the living are protected. #NationalDayofMourning

Newfoundlanders & Labradorians are being told they won’t get pharmacare, while the PM says it’s for “all Canadians.” That doesn’t add up. Pharmacare must be universal, not a patchwork. Get back to the table and deliver coverage for everyone, everywhere. #Pharmacare #HealthCare #cdnpoli

Met with West Coast independent fish harvesters Russell Cameron & Sonia Strobel. Too much quota is owned by people who don’t fish, some ownership isn’t even transparent. On the East Coast, owner-operator rules protect fishers & communities. We need that fairness in B.C. I’ll keep pushing.

Next week’s Spring Ec Statement sets the govt’s economic priorities. I’ve written to the PM calling for ship recycling to be included as 900+ derelict vessels sit in B.C. waters. We need a made-in-Canada solution that protects our coast and creates good jobs by managing the full lifecycle of ships.

It's Earth Day today and last night, I spoke out against the federal pipeline MOU. It ignores First Nations, risks another $30B+ taxpayer boondoggle, and comes as Big Oil posts $25B in profits and expects $90B more due to Trump's war. We should phase out subsidies—not double down. #EarthDay

Thanks to The Hill Times for publishing my Op-Ed on strengthening Canada’s universal health care system. People are proud of it, but worried about access and wait times. We can fix this: expand coverage, cut red tape, and ensure care is there when you need it. #cdnpoli #healthcare

Shoutout to @gordjohns.bsky.social for his continued work with the FNs, the DFO and all constituents in his riding to continue tackling misinformation re: salmon fishing in mid-island!

MP @gordjohns.bsky.social grilling the liberals over the MOU and oil & gas subsidies tonight in the House..

It feels like Groundhog Day. Liberals adopting Conservative policies, promising affordability, but costs keep rising and housing is still out of reach. Meanwhile, big oil posts record profits. How much is enough before they pay their fair share? People want fairness.

Honoured to support Petition E-6661 for an independent review of the Victoria Cross. Canada hasn’t awarded one since 1993, despite extraordinary bravery in Afghanistan. This isn’t about medals, it’s about keeping our word to those who served. #Veterans #VictoriaCross #Respect

Minister confirms salmon policy review won’t take away anyone’s right to fish. This matters for harvesters and communities across Courtenay–Alberni. I’ll keep pushing for transparency and real engagement to make sure people are heard and this is done fairly.

Thanks to everyone who responded to my recent mailout on phone and online fraud. The stories were heartbreaking, especially from seniors. It’s strengthened my resolve to fight in Parliament for real accountability from banks and telecoms. I’ll keep speaking out until Canadians are better protected.

Met with Barry Orr about the impact of “flushable” wipes. They’re costing municipalities ~$250M/year in damage, blockages, and landfill waste. We need enforceable national standards to protect infrastructure, waterways, and taxpayers. #ProtectOurWater

Grocery prices could rise again due to fuel surcharges. As I told Global News: “Fuel surcharges will be downloaded onto consumers, while big oil corporations continue to rake in billions in excess profits.” Canadians deserve relief, not higher bills.

Honoured to join the groundbreaking for the Urban Indigenous Health Centre in Port Alberni. Huge thanks to Cyndi Stevens, the Friendship Centre, the West Coast General Hospital, NTC, local Nations & partners, this is reconciliation in action.

I told the House about four cost-of-living town halls in Courtenay–Alberni. People want relief at the pump, I agree. But not at the cost of healthcare, infrastructure, and services. They were clear: big oil profits should cover it. Fairness matters.

The Health Minister calls herself the “guardian” of public health care. So why allow Alberta to move toward American-style, two-tier care where people pay out of pocket? She didn’t answer, she said she’ll get back to me. I’ll be holding her to it.

Hamilton Marsh is protected, a huge win for Vancouver Island, BC, Canada & the planet. Grateful to Chief Recalma, Chief Rempel, all partners and especially Ceri Peacey whose leadership made this happen. Wetlands = climate action + biodiversity.

I’ve written to the Minister about gaps in the Enabling Accessibility Fund. Ending small project funding shuts out rural groups like the Beachcombers Education Society & Alberni Athletic Association working to improve access. We need to restore this support.

Thanks to Nanaimo News Now for covering my position. The Conservative Leader’s GST holiday pitch sounds good to some, but it avoids holding big oil accountable and risks shifting costs onto Canadians later. Oil companies are making billions and relief should come from excess profits. #CostOfLiving

Thanks to Jeremy Dunn & the team at BC Dairy for your kind letter and for supporting farming families across BC. New Democrats will always defend supply management, protecting local jobs, family farms & food security. I’ll keep working with farmers to build a resilient future.

Great to meet in Ottawa with young leaders through Global Affairs' Young Leader Pilot: Special to connect with Maa-nulth youth Bayja Morgan-Banke (Toquaht), Olivia Peters (Huu-ay-aht), & Ethan Blackstone (Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k:tles7et'h’). Proud, strong, visionary leadership—the future is bright!

We discussed mental health parity (Bill C-201), homelessness, post-treatment care, and climate resilience, from wildfire response to heat pumps. The best ideas come from communities. Keep them coming, and let’s take them to Ottawa. #cdnpoli 3/3

We heard strong ideas: non-market housing at scale, co-op grocery stores, childcare, student housing, and public alternatives in telecom. Also: support for small business, living wages, good union jobs, and action on food insecurity & local farming. #cdnpoli #affordability 2/3

Thank you Qualicum Beach for a thoughtful Town Hall on the economy. People spoke clearly about rising costs, housing, groceries, energy and the real pressure families are facing. Grateful to our panel, staff, volunteers, and House of Commons security team. #cdnpoli #QualicumBeach 1/3

Great to connect on April 10, National Indigenous Nurses Day, with Northern Tutchone Elder Marilyn Van Bibber. For decades, Indigenous Nurses have promoted culturally safe, community-rooted care and made a difference in the lives of generations of their people .

It’s called a “town hall” for a reason--these meetings are rooted in a tradition of direct citizen participation. A space to ask questions, share concerns, and help shape decisions. It’s about listening, not speeches. See you at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre (7-8:30) 747 Jones St TONIGHT 2/2

Looking forward to our Town Hall on the economy in Qualicum Beach TONIGHT from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the Civc Centre (747 Jones Street). We’ve now held three town halls across the riding, each one thoughtful and grounded in real experiences. 1/2 #QualicumBeach #Oceanside #TownHall

Great roundtable with the CV Chamber of Commerce. We discussed affordable housing & the rising cost of living. Interest in returning GST from housing back to communities to build more affordable homes, concerns about fuel costs, corporate monopolies, and the growing concentration of economic power.

We’re continuing the conversation this Thursday, April 9 at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre (747 Jones St). Join us to talk affordability, jobs, and building a stronger local economy. Your voice matters. 2/2 #YourVoiceMatters #CanPoli #QualicumBeach