“I have had the pleasure of knowing Gord johns for twenty years. He is hard working, full of energy and above all very effective in building bridges and alliances with all parties. Gord has an unwavering commitment to community and has demonstrated that repeatedly in his roles as Town Councilor, Chamber Manager and on numerous regional committees where his leadership skills have stood out to all that have worked with him. I have worked with Gord on numerous projects and have always been impressed by his professionalism and effectiveness in moving those projects forward – but also with his humbleness and his ability to learn and listen to all sides of an issue.” Scott Fraser (MLA, Alberni, Pacific Rim)
“Gord Johns has the leadership qualities we need in our elected representatives. He is holds himself to a high ethical standard, he listens to people, he speaks with a strong clear voice, he brings people together and he is effective at gathering resources for his community. Gord never misses an opportunity to turn someone into an advocate and resource to improve the well-being of the people who live on the West Coast. Gord never misses an opportunity to speak up on behalf of the people who live on the West Coast. If we can elect Gord Johns to the House of Commons it will restore my faith in democracy and begin to repair the reputation of Canada.” Nicole Chaland (Program Director, SFU Certificate Program for Community Economic Development.)
“I have had the pleasure of working with Gord on a number of regional initiatives both in a volunteer and professional capacity. Gord is a natural connector – he brings people and ideas together to make great things happen. His tireless belief in our region make him a strong voice for our communities.” Rebecca Hurwitz (Managing Director Clayoquot Biosphere Trust)
“Gord is a tireless advocate who’s always put community interests first – from the environmental values upon which his small businesses have been founded to his “What’s good for the community is good for local business” approach to community economic development. Whether coaching Little League or running meetings, Gord has a knack for inspiring all the people around him to do their very best.” Mayor Josie Osborne (District of Tofino)
“Yes ,Gord Johns is the person I have been blessed to meet some years back ,and we have been good friends since that day. We competed in slow pitch baseball league together, and coached little league baseball teams from our respective communities. And yes, the smile he shares with all, is contagious, He has been involved in all areas of life on the WEST COAST, AND BEYOND. His CLIENTELE IS WORLD-WIDE, as much as I believe, his powers to communicate, and listen to people is tremendous, his actions, SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.THE KIND OF PERSON we need more of in society all over. THANK YOU GORD.: Tom Campbell (Ahousat BC)
“Over the many years of knowing Gord, his passion for community has been very inspiring. His ability to engage with many levels of diversity and social groups is something that separates Gord form the pack. Gord has put many peoples needs ahead of his own for the better good of the community. I have always been so impressed with Gord ability to gets things done yet maintain a very strong family life caring for his 3 children. Gord is results driven, yet isn’t willing to sacrifice his core values when it come to sustainability, and ethics. I have confidence in Gord John in whatever endeavour he is doing and know his interest will also be for the right reasons.” Regards Keith Gibson (Tofino Resident and Tofino Business Owner)
“I first met Gord Johns several years ago and immediately knew he was a unique and talented individual. As the retired Vice President of Vancouver Island University I was promoting a Leadership Development Program in the Tofino/Ucluelet region and Gord Johns was one of my first points of contact. His enthusiasm, energy, and skillful administrative qualities provided the needed momentum for us to initiate the project and be successful. During the three years that we worked together it was apparent to me that Gord is passionate about community development. His commitment to produce high quality results and to do the right thing for people is inspiring. Gord cares about people and his daily actions consistently confirm that. He proved himself to a planner and a “doer” with exemplary leadership skills. I loved the positive energy he brought to planning and problem solving meetings. It was clear to me that people who know Gord respect him and admire him for his authenticity. I certainly do! Gord will continue to make a positive difference whatever he chooses to do. I hope that I will have the opportunity to work with Gord again in the future. It is a rare experience to meet someone and instantly know that what you see is what you get. I have enormous respect and regard for Gord Johns and provide this character reference with enthusiasm.” Dr. Patrick Ross ( retired)
“Gord is a strong leader and a tireless advocate for the businesses and people he is tasked with representing. I saw first hand how effective Gord is at bringing positive economic change in his role as Executive Director of the Tofino Long Beach Chamber of Commerce. Gord gets results by collaborating and ensuring that decision makers are at the table. Gord also understands the importance of a healthy economy, and the vital importance of enhancing social and environmental values. If elected, Gord will bring positive change to our beautiful region.” Nygil Goggins (Partner, REED Environmental Consulting, Cumberland. B.C.)
“I have known Gord for close to twenty years. During that time I have seen him establish and grow a business, lead successful community initiatives from housing to economic development to recreational infrastructure, and raise a family on the West Coast — often all at once. I have consistently been impressed by Gord’s boundless energy, entrepreneurial mindset, and generosity. His deep commitment to building healthy, sustainable communities is backed by an exceptional ability to inspire and unite people across different sectors to achieve tangible results. Gord’s tireless energy and positive outlook will make him an excellent MP: both an effective and dependable representative for his constituents, and an asset to his caucus colleagues and to Parliament as a whole.” Darcy Dobell (Conservation and Sustainability Consultant, & former Tofino Resident)
“I have known Gord Johns for many years. When Gord first moved to Tofino he was employed in the service industry almost everywhere. He worked for the bank, at the front desk of a hotel and served at a restaurant — all at the same time. It was no surprise that Gord soon opened his own business in Tofino, filling a niche in the retail clothing sector. He developed his business concept in Tofino went on to open stores in Victoria and Whistler. I had the opportunity to work with Gord Johns while serving as president of the Tofino Long Beach Chamber of Commerce; Gord was my Executive Director at a time when the Chamber needed energy and action. Gord was the right person for the job and took on the role with confidence and enthusiasm. Gord achieved the goals and tasks set out by the board and moved the chamber ahead in business development and educational pursuits. During his tenure with the Tofino Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, Gord also worked to develop Tofino’s recreational infrastructure and to improve housing choices for the citizens of Tofino. Gord’s proven ability on a local level leaves me in no doubt that he will apply the same passion and energy on behalf of our region as a whole.” Don Travers (Remote Passages Marine Excursions – Owner/Operator, Tofino Long Beach Chamber of Commerce – Past President & current Board Member)
“Dear Reader: It is my honor and pleasure to provide a character reference for Mr. Gord Johns of Tofino British Columbia. One of the first people I met after taking over the helm for the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce was Gord of the Tofino Long Beach Chamber of Commerce. In my early days of Chamber management I asked around the network as to who was best to contact in order to learn from. I was provided with a number of names of which I only needed one. Gord succeeded in making the Tofino Long Beach Chamber of Commerce one of the very best in the province of British Columbia. His lead, his passion and ideas were all obvious and through that it became a “must do” for each and every business in the area to jump on board with Gord. The result is that the Chamber of Commerce that was recognized in 2013 as runner up in the very prestigious Chamber of Commerce of the Year award. More importantly, the Tofino Long Beach Chamber of Commerce is not only recognized provincially as a leader but it is recognized locally as a “must do” for any business in the area. In the fall of 2013 we invited Gord to a dinner meeting here in Port Alberni to give a brief overview of the Tofino area from a business perspective. Gord’s presentation was excellent and through that it provided our community with a much better understanding of our neighbours in Tofino. That particular meeting was considered one of our better ones of the year and much was due to the presentation by Gord. There is no doubt in my mind that Gord Johns would be an excellent choice to represent the NDP for our region on the National front.” Yours truly, Bill Collette (Executive Director, Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce)
” I have know Gord for many years. During this time I have gained admiration for his devotion to his family, his communities and his country. Gord is compassionate about his undertakings and is always concerned about the needs of others. He is a tireless worker and an excellent communicator. He is also a natural leader, always looking at the positives and educating himself about the issues before passing judgement. I have no doubts that Gord will find success in anything he chooses to do.”
Kendal Kelly (Businessman, Port Alberni, BC)
**Indemnifier: “These comments do not endorse the candidate or party for election, but is merely a character reference of the individual identified.”