Wayne Gates nominated to be the Ontario NDP candidate in Niagara Falls

NIAGARA – Over 200 residents in Niagara Falls came together to choose Wayne Gates to be the Ontario NDP candidate for the next provincial election.

Burd Sisler, a 109-year-old resident of Fort Erie and veteran of the Second World War, nominated Gates. Heather Kelley, an organizer with Fort Erie Healthcare SOS, and Owen Bjorgan, a conservation and environmental activist from Niagara-on-the-Lake, also spoke in support of Wayne.

“It has been a privilege to represent the good people of Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie at Queen’s Park,” said Gates. “Together, we’ve fought for health care that our community can rely on, homes you can afford, smaller classrooms, and a better life for the people of Niagara. After 6 years of Ford, life has gotten tough for our communities. It’s time for a government that stands for what matters most to Niagara: hiring doctors, keeping our urgent care open, fixing long-term care for seniors and families, and finally building a new hospital. With Marit Stiles and the Ontario NDP, I know we can fight for the future that our community deserves!”

“Wayne is a champion for Niagara,” said Marit Stiles, Ontario NDP leader. “For a decade, Wayne has been fighting tirelessly for the people of Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Fort Erie at Queen’s Park. From better long-term care to fighting for health care close to home to standing up for workers, Wayne is there for his community at every step. I am proud to have Wayne on our team as we fight to defeat Doug Ford and deliver a government that truly works for the people.”

Quick Facts:

• Gates has represented Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake at Queen’s Park since 2014.
• Gates has served as MPP for four terms. Since being elected in a by-election in 2014, Gates has had a historic high of almost 50% support in the last three elections.
• Gates is a staunch advocate for workers and their families.
• Gates succeeded in bringing GO train service to Niagara, secured funding to clear the long MRI backlog, brought a nurse practitioner to Niagara-on-the-lake, successfully advocated to finally get funding for South Niagara Hospital, and has been standing up for workers and small businesses throughout the pandemic.
• Gates is a former Niagara Falls city councillor and served as a local union president for over a decade. He was the campaign chair for the United Way and member of the Yellow Shirt Brigade to Save the Fort Erie Hospital.
• Gates and his wife Rita live in Niagara Falls. They are the proud parents of three daughters and have five grandchildren.