When Premier Doug Ford announced an early provincial election for Feb.27, the New Democrats were ready to go with incumbent Wayne Gates.
When it comes to elections, Gates is no stranger, he told The Lake Report.
“I’ve been doing this now for 11 years,” he said.
Gates has represented the riding since winning a byelection in February 2014.
He was most recently nominated in October by Burt Sisler, a 109-year-old resident of Fort Erie and veteran of the Second World War.
During his time as MPP there have been a number of “big wins” for the people of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Gates said.
Along with town council, Gates was able to get a nurse practitioner for the town, he was also able to get a 6.1 per cent tax on Ontario wines eliminated after five years, he said.
“The big one for our area is that I stood up loud and clear when fighting Premier Ford to protect the Green Belt and protect our farmers,” Gates said.
The NDP has helped raise substantial amounts for the Shaw Festival and he continues to work alongside festival officials and town staff to ensure patrons on Queen Street can enjoy the theatre for many years to come, he said.
Going forward, Gates said it’s important to continue discussion on responsible development.
“The one thing Niagara-on-the-Lake knows of me is I know their issues. I support them on all the things that are important to them, including keeping an open communication with residents,” Gates said.
Gates has been outspoken about his disappointment in Ford for calling an early election, saying he would prefer the money be put toward health care.
“It’s obviously costly, it’s early and it’s for his own benefit,” Gates told The Lake Report.
Gates’ focus is not only impending tariffs but other important issues facing Ontarians, he said.
“Our health care is in crisis, our housing sector is in crisis, our affordability is in crisis,” Gates said.
Progressive Conservative candidate Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg has not responded to repeated attempts to reach her since the election was called.
