By Spencer Sterritt

Courtenay-Alberni MP hits the road for riding-wide public engagement tour

Aug 21, 2017 | 3:12 PM

NANAIMO — The Member of Parliament for one of Canada’s largest ridings has started his cycling trek to speak to as many constituents as possible.

Gord Johns, MP for the Courtenay-Alberni riding which stretches across Vancouver Island from coast-to-coast, started his 13-day cycling journey in Tofino Monday morning. He’ll visit coffee shops, hold meet-and-greets and other events.

Johns said it’s sometimes difficult to hear the many diverse voices in his riding and this is a chance to make sure everyone’s represented.

“We thought this was a very important way, right at the grassroots level, to make sure we’re listening to residents, making sure we find our way to every community and a way to engage them so we can make sure everyone has a chance to be heard.”

He’ll ride anywhere between five and 55 kilometres a day on the journey.

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He said the major issues likely to come up in discussions are boosting employment, protecting the environment and creating a diverse economy.

The ride is also an opportunity for Johns to build momentum at home for a private member’s bill he’s tabled in Ottawa about introducing a national cycling strategy, focused on making cycling a more viable option for travel.

“People are getting involved, they see it’s important we create strategies to tackle climate change, to tackle soaring infrastructure and health care costs,” he said. “This is just one of the many things we need to look at as we take on these huge challenges facing our communities today.”

The bill won’t be discussed in Parliament until late 2018.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit