Johns Named To NDP Shadow Cabinet

              Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns was appointed critic for fisheries and oceans by NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. He was also designated as the critic for small business, tourism and economic development, as well as deputy-critic for Indigenous-Crown relations and Indigenous services. Mr. Singh is the critic for the Indigenous portfolios. “I am truly honoured that our leader has expressed confidence in my ability to take on these important files,” Mr. Johns said. “The importance of these roles to our west coast economy and the well-being of our people cannot be understated.” MP Johns served as NDP critic for small business, tourism, veterans affairs and fisheries and oceans in the last Parliament. He achieved unanimous support from all parties for resolutions on ocean plastic pollution and funding for veterans affairs and contributed to the government’s decision to reduce taxes on small businesses. During his first term, the riding of Courtenay-Alberni received record levels of infrastructure investment for its municipalities.  Mr. Johns has been an outspoken advocate for First Nations and has risen in the House of Commons on dozens of occasions to press the government to end its decade-long fight with five Nuu-chah-nulth nations over fishing rights already affirmed by the Supreme Court. “Whether fighting First Nations in court over fishing, over children’s dental care benefits or other issues, this government continues to betray its promise that its relationship with Indigenous people is its most important,” Mr. Johns said. “The government’s appeal of the Human Rights Tribunal ruling to compensate Indigenous children and families who were underfunded by its child welfare system is unconscionable, and this will be a major focus of our Caucus in this Parliament.” MP Johns has worked tirelessly as an advocate for small business owners and the Canadian tourism industry. “Small businesses are the largest employer on Vancouver Island and their well-being is tied directly to the availability of affordable non-market housing and pharmacare for their workers. The tourism industry alone provides over 9,000 jobs in my riding and is inextricably linked to a pristine environment, wild salmon and affordable housing for its workers.”