New Democrat team at Queen's Park grows again with byelection win for Wayne Gates in Niagara Falls

NIAGARA FALLS, ON, Feb. 13, 2014 /CNW/ - New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath says tonight's election results are more proof that New Democrats are offering the solutions that work for middle-class families in tough economic times. Horwath congratulated Wayne Gates, the newly elected NDP MPP for the formerly Liberal riding of Niagara Falls, and thanked Cindy Hackelberg, the NDP candidate for Thornhill for hard-fought campaigns.

"More and more voters are rejecting the same-old parties offering the same-old solutions. Families feeling squeezed in tough times know that New Democrats will put their priorities first," said Horwath.  "We're ready to get to work on the priorities that matter to people: creating jobs, improving healthcare, making life more affordable and respecting the value of the money sent to Queen's Park."

"The people of Niagara Falls riding have chosen a strong leader in Wayne Gates to put their priorities at the top of the agenda at Queen's Park. I want to thank both Wayne and Cindy for putting their names forward and working so hard over the last few weeks."

Gates said he is grateful to the people of Niagara Falls riding. A former Niagara Falls City Councillor, the newest NDP MPP said he looks forward to joining Andrea Horwath and the NDP to start pressing the government to deliver on its byelection promises.

"Thank you to the people of Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, and Niagara-on-the-Lake for putting your trust in me. Andrea Horwath and the NDP have delivered results for the people of Ontario and I am proud to join a team committed to creating jobs, making life affordable, getting a new hospital built and respecting the value of the public's money," said Gates.

The New Democrat Caucus at Queen's Park has more than doubled since Horwath was first elected Leader in 2009. Since the 2011 election, New Democrats have elected new MPPs in once-safe Liberal seats in Windsor and London, and once safe PC seats in Kitchener-Waterloo.

SOURCE: New Democratic Party of Ontario

Media Contact:  Marion Nader 416-904-5122