Rebecca Johnson

Accomplishments related to: Municipal government, community service, local business
Thunder Bay At-large Councillor: 2003-2022
Major affiliations: Thunder Bay City Council, Age Friendly Thunder Bay, Lakehead Public School Board, Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, Diversity Thunder Bay, Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce

Rebecca Johnson has spent over 40 years as a leader, advocate, mentor, and volunteer in Thunder Bay, championing issues such as gender equality, women in politics, immigration, drugs, and seniors’ care. During her time on City Council, she focused on economic development, the drug strategy, environmental stewardship, diversity and inclusion, accessibility, and age-friendly initiatives.

After her husband’s death when she was 25, she took over operations of the family farm while raising four children. She then moved into positions with the Lakehead District School Board, Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce, Leadership Thunder Bay, Confederation College and Thunder Bay City Council, where she served as an at-large councillor from 2003 to 2022 and became one of the City’s longest-serving councillors. Rebecca’s work has involved diverse roles with dozens of volunteer boards, organizations, and committees both within Thunder Bay and across Canada, from grass-roots community groups and business boardrooms to provincial and federal government tables. Some of the over 20 boards, organizations, and committees she has sat on include:

Lakehead University
Clean, Green, and Beautiful
Diversity Thunder Bay
Off Leash Dog Park
Age Friendly Thunder Bay
United Way of Thunder Bay Fund Raising Campaign
Thunder Bay’s Drug Strategy
Women in Politics Northwestern Ontario
Thunder Bay Police Youth Corps
Thunder Bay District Health Unit Board of Directors
Inaugural Board of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Federated Women’s Institute of Ontario
Thunder Bay District Administrative Social Services Board
Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Thunder Bay 2020 Games Organizing Committee

She also owns her own business, Rebecca Reports…for the Record, a consulting firm on Board administration and governance.

She hosted the local television program “Community Clipboard” on Shaw Cable for 20 years, was a judge on “Reach for the Top” for four years, and hosts a half-hour program called Age Friendly Thunder Bay. Shaw Spotlight adds:

“Rebecca Johnson has been a dedicated volunteer at Shaw Spotlight since May of 2022, where she serves as the host and producer of the popular show "Age Friendly Thunder Bay." Known for her exceptional organizational skills and preparedness, Rebecca is always ready to make a positive impact. Her friendly and approachable nature shines through as she effortlessly connects with volunteers, guests on her program, and treats them like old friends. Not only has Rebecca's show received widespread acclaim within Thunder Bay, but it also tackles important topics that resonate with our senior population, such as healthcare, finances, and community engagement. Her dedication to addressing these topics with sensitivity and insight has made her a beloved figure in the community At Spotlight, we are grateful for Rebecca's commitment and passion; everyone here thoroughly enjoys working with her.”

Rebecca has been the recipient of many awards and recognitions, including the City of Thunder Bay Achievement Award, Ontario Chamber B.J. Gillespie Memorial Award, Canadian Chamber Executive of the Year Award, Ontario Chamber Executives James Gordon Carnegie Award, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal, Chamber Honourary membership, NOACC Don Sanders Memorial Award, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise “Top 20 in 20 Platinum Award, and the Charles J. Carter Lifetime Business Achievement Award. In 2020 the Girl Guides of Canada honoured Rebecca with a “Silver Thanks Pin” acknowledging the commitment given to the organization as the Guiding Ambassador for over 11 years. In 2021, Age Friendly renamed their senior award the Rebecca Johnson Age Friendly Senior Award.

For an extended list of Rebecca’s commitments, accomplishments, and accolades, please see the article published by Thunder Bay Business.

Rebecca Johnson at a media conference

Rebecca Johnson at Christmas Cheer

Rebecca Johnson participating in the 36 Hours of Cheer fundraiser

Rebecca Johnson participating in a Pride event at City Hall

Rebecca Johnson participating in a Pride event at City Hall

Resources:

https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/johnson-ending-council-career-after-20-years-5465888

https://www.netnewsledger.com/2022/06/10/rebecca-johnson-retiring-from-politics/

http://www.thunderbaybusiness.ca/rebecca-johnson-to-retire-from