In 1983, Johnston moved a resolution to declare Ontario a nuclear weapons-free zone but it was defeated, a decision that moved him to tears. In 1987 he introduced a private members bill on the same issue and it was passed with support of all three parties. Only 2 Liberals and 7 Conservatives opposed it. He travelled to Nicaragua to help build a school and medical facility. In 1987, he presented a report to the legislature, "Toward a New Ontario", which recommended an overhaul of the existing social assistance system.