You might know James Gordon from his music. You might know him as the CBC’s former songwriter in residence. Your children might know him from the thousands of workshops he’s delivered in schools. You might know James, because of his long history of community leadership in our city. And you might know him, because he’s lived and studied and worked and raised his family right here in Guelph.

James has been listening to the people of Guelph for 40 years. He is committed to carry your voices with him to Queen’s park.

His professional work in the arts has always been focused on social justice, environmental, heritage, culture and health care issues. James brings his professional and community service experience to his role as a candidate to be Guelph’s next MPP.

James is the founder of many important groups in our community, including Guelph Civic League, The Hillside Festival, the Guelph Arts Platform, and the Family Mental Health Network, which helps local families to navigate the mental health care system.

Environmental Stewardship is central to James’s work. He is a co-founder of Wellington Water Watchers, a group emphasizing water conservation and public education. Through his work in the arts sector, he was a founding member of a theatre company focused on environmental issues, and has worked with youth to educate them on the environment through the arts.

James is a caretaker of our shared heritage. He campaigned to save the Loretto Convent, and was recognized for his efforts by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, who asked him to join their provincial organization with the goal of protecting heritage buildings and landscapes across Ontario.

Good jobs for Guelph is one of James’s core priorities. He actively promotes opportunities for small family-run businesses as a model of economic stability and providers of the high quality jobs we want for our city. He has managed his own production company with up to a dozen employees for over 30 years.

His vision is wide ranging. Through his work as a member of the Waterloo-Wellington Scenario Planning group, he advocates for economic, cultural and environmental sustainability in our region. He’s an avid cyclist and promoter of walkable, bike-friendly neighbourhoods.

James has been made a lifetime member of the Guelph Public Library, and he won the 2008 Mayor’s Award for Community Service. He is a lifelong member of the NDP.