Jan Johnstone of Kincardine running for Huron-Bruce NDP nomination

Jan Johnstone (above) of Kincardine has announced her candidacy for nomination to represent the Huron-Bruce New Democratic Party (NDP) in the June Ontario election.

Johnstone has been active in the local community particularly in the field of education, serving as a trustee in the Bluewater District School Board since 2001. Currently, she is vice-chairperson of the board where she represents the Municipality of Kincardine and Township of Huron-Kinloss.

She has helped balance 17 consecutive budgets of more than $200-million and serves more than 16,000 students and their families.

Johnstone is an experienced leader with a proven track record of strengthening public education by working with parents for school renewal, improving learning outcomes, expanding the role of students in shaping education, and standing up for our most vulnerable students.

She is also a recognized provincial leader in education having been elected a Director to Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) where she chairs the Program Work Committee.

Johnstone is proud of her role in supporting community economic development and sustainability strategies that help to create positive social, economic, and environmental change in our community.

She is vice-president of the Kincardine Scottish Festival and Highland Games, a community event attracting more than 12,000 visitors and generating almost $2-million for the local economy.

She is an enthusiastic participant in many local health and sustainability initiatives and is a long-time supporter of the trade union movement.

In December of 2017, she was officially recognized as one of Bruce County’s Remarkable Women.

Johnstone has long-time roots in Huron-Bruce. She and her husband, Gordon, have lived in the community for more than 30 years where they raised three girls. Professionally, she has worked as a social worker in health care, child welfare, and community development, and is a former CUPE member.

She holds a Master of Social Work in Social Policy which she received while working and raising her family. Her husband has been a long-time employee of Bruce Power. He is a former chief steward for the Power Workers, and a former president of the Grey Bruce Labour Council.

The Huron Bruce NDP has been a big part of Johnstone’s life. She is a long-time member of the Huron-Bruce NDP executive where she has served as the riding president, provincial councillor, and voting delegate. She has worked on many election campaigns - including in the Province of Alberta which saw an historic NDP win.

Johnstone was a federal candidate in 1997 and a provincial candidate in 2014. In the 2014 provincial election, the Huron-Bruce NDP had its best results!

With enormous gratitude and pride, and with the dedication and hard work of a great campaign team, Johnstone won the student vote for Huron-Bruce in 2014. She believes that the Ontario NDP has a plan that offers hope and a leader Ontarians can count on. With the NDP, all of Ontario benefits.

“We need bold ideas in Ontario,” says Johnstone. “Pharmacare and dental care for all. Taking Hydro One back into public hands. Strengthening public education and providing a debt-free start for all students. Getting Ontarians out of poverty. Building more affordable housing and protecting renters' rights. More affordable and high-quality childcare. Ending hallway medicine and fixing long-term care. Strengthening labour rights. Raising minimum wage to $15 and ensuring fairness for all.”

The Huron-Bruce NDP Provincial Nomination Meeting is slated for Friday, April 13, at 7 p.m., at the Kincardine Legion, 219 Lambton Street, Kincardine. This venue is fully accessible and all are welcome to attend. Only members in good standing with the Ontario NDP may cast a ballot.