Heather McPherson has received her first endorsement from a sitting NDP MP. Gord Johns, who represents Courtenay-Alberni in BC, endorsed McPherson for the NDP leadership on Thursday, February 5.
“Heather I’ve known for many years, standing up and showing courage for workers, for people in our communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast,” said Johns, appearing in a video alongside McPherson. “Heather is a champion for human rights; for social, environmental, and economic justice. She’s shown that leadership day-in, day-out; standing up for healthcare workers and fighting against privatization.”
He added that he had confidence in McPherson because of her proven track record of winning election time and again in Alberta.
“I’m supporting Heather because she’s shown that she can win; winning in Edmonton-Strathcona time and again and she’s proven she can win in Alberta, a place where we need to grow. I’m honoured to work alongside someone with such strong courage,” he said.
McPherson said he was proud to have the support of a colleague like Johns.
Johns is the second sitting NDP MP who has issued an endorsement in the current leadership race, the first being Winnipeg-Centre MP Leah Gazan.
Last month Gazan endorsed Avi Lewis.
Lewis leads in fundraising
According to numbers released by Elections Canada, Avi Lewis leads the five person race as far as fundraising goes.
Lewis had collected an impressive $778,869 as of the end of 2025. McPherson came up second in fundraising with $415,490. Union leader Rob Ashton placed third with $231,095. Campbell River City Councillor Tanille Johnston raised $142,129, and Ontario-based farmer Tony McQuail netted $95,093.
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