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Majority of shipping containers aboard MV Zim Kingston still missing

New plan for spot prawn fishery is a win for harvesters: NDP Gord Johns says

NANAIMO – NDP critic for fisheries and oceans Lisa Marie Barron and deputy critic Gord Johns say that the newly-announced plan for prawn and shrimp fisheries from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is a victory for B.C. prawn harvesters. This decision comes after months of uncertainty and proposed regulation changes by the Liberal government, which would have threatened the livelihoods of independent harvesters.

“Prawn harvesters have finally had their voices heard, and a common-sense solution was found,” said Johns. “Key stakeholders have been working together for months to raise these concerns; they shared petitions and appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.  But the Liberals should not have put harvesters through this stress and uncertainty in the first place. It's good to see that the right solution was found in the end.”

NDP MP Gord Johns introduces a bill to tackle the overdose crisis and save lives

OTTAWA – Over 20,000 Canadians have died of overdoses in the last five years and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid overdose epidemic has gotten even worse. Yesterday, the NDP’s critic for mental health and addictions, Gord Johns, introduced a private member’s bill to tackle this emergency by decriminalizing personal possession and taking a health-based approach to substance use.
 
“While Canadians have been living through the COVID-19 pandemic, another pandemic has also been impacting our communities.  Despite what they say, the Liberals have continuously ignored calls from health experts, police chiefs and big Canadian cities to treat the opioid crisis like a health crisis,” said Johns. “The bill I put forward will make sure those suffering with substance abuse issues are not treated like criminals. It will make it easier for people to get the help they need without the stigma and unsafe supply those struggling with addiction have always faced.”

IN THE NEWS- Gord asks when government will finally take action on overdose deaths

OTTAWA — Member of Parliament Gord Johns (Courtenay-Alberni) rose in the House of Commons today to ask the Prime Minister when he will finally take action to prevent overdose deaths in Canada. 
 
“The Public Health Agency of Canada reported an 88% increase in opioid related deaths last year,” MP Johns said, “The Prime Minister has repeatedly said we need to listen to public health officials to get through the pandemic but when it comes to the overdose crisis, he is ignoring those same health officials.”

IN THE NEWS- Canadians are feeling the impacts of climate change, while Justin Trudeau refuses to take leadership

COURTENAY -  As devastating flooding continues in B.C., New Democrats are calling on the federal government to invest in the climate-resistant infrastructure communities desperately need. The Environment and Sustainable Development Commissioner’s report last week gave a dire warning about our future if we continue with the same approach to climate change. Local NDP MP Gord Johns (Courtenay-Alberni) is calling on the government to finally take meaningful action on the climate crisis by cutting emissions and helping workers and communities transition to a low-carbon future
 
“People in this province have faced the extremes of the climate crisis over the past few months with record breaking heat and devastating flooding,” said Johns. “Canadians cannot afford to wait while the Liberals refuse to take real action on this crisis. New Democrats will continue to fight to get Canadians the results they need."

IN THE NEWS - MP Gord Johns appointed mental health and addictions critic

Gord Johns, Member of Parliament for Courtenay-Alberni, has been appointed NDP critic for mental health and addictions by NDP leader Jagmeet Singh.

“Canadians have been through a lot in the past 18 months,” said Singh in a press release. “Now more than ever, they need elected leaders who will have their backs and fight for mental health and addictions supports. Gord Johns has been a tireless advocate for mental health and addictions supports both in the community and in parliament. Canadians can count on Gord to stand up for them and deliver on this critically important issue.”

MP Gord Johns considers Dental Care for all Canadians

MP Gord Johns has initiated a mail-out that asks constituents the date of their last visit to a dentist, and if they can afford to see a dentist as often as needed. The Courtenay–Alberni MP says the survey has generated the biggest response he’s received from people in his riding.

Pre-pandemic, Johns said one in five Canadians were skipping the dentist due to cost. “It’s worse now because millions of Canadians have lost their jobs, or they’ve lost their employment-sponsored benefits,” he said, noting 12 million Canadians do not have dental insurance. “Oral health diseases are some of the most preventable chronic diseases in Canada.”

The NDP is urging the federal government to support its proposal to provide dental coverage to those who cannot afford a visit to the dentist. The dental plan would benefit 6.7 million people whose household income is less than $90,000 a year.

IN THE NEWS-MP Gord Johns argues Fed should be held accountable for violence against Mi'kmaw fishery

The federal NDP fisheries critic Gord Johns says heads need to roll in Ottawa after an APTN News report revealed multiple federal agencies failed to protect Mi'Kmaw lobster harvesters from violent vigilante actions officials knew were coming last September. 

"It's at every level of government and every department that they failed to protect those fishers and their safety" said MP Gord Johns. 

IN THE NEWS- MP Johns calls on Federal Government to provide support to Veterans

Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns has called on the federal Liberal government to provide support to local legions and other veterans services affected by COVID-19.

“We were encouraged when the Prime Minister promised that help was coming to veterans service organizations during one of his daily updates in June,” said Johns in a press release. “There has been nothing since then and veterans are increasingly isolated and in need of mental health and other services that have been interrupted because of the pandemic.”

IN THE NEWS- Comox Valley MPs Want Feds to Stabilize Childcare Sector

As businesses and the economy continue to re-open, New Democrats MPs are calling on the federal government to invest in building a universal child care and early learning system that delivers the help families need to go back to work. 

“Canadians have been through a lot in the last few weeks. As people begin to go back to work we have to make sure they’re getting the support they need,” said NDP MP Gord Johns (Courtenay–Alberni). “Liberals have been promising child care since 1993 – that’s 26 years! Enough is enough. It’s time for the Liberals to stop making empty promises and actually make meaningful investments in child care.”