Endorsement rumours false, says Fort Erie mayor
February 25, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Believe it or not, you can’t trust everything you see on social media.
And as the snap provincial election comes to a close this week, Fort Erie’s mayor said his longstanding policy of not publicly endorsing a candidate while he’s in office is continuing. This is despite a post on social media suggesting he had endorsed a candidate for this month’s provincial election.
Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop at town hall. Credit: Kris Dubé | Fort Erie Radio“I haven’t publicly endorsed any candidate nor will I before the election,” he said in opening remarks at the February 24 council meeting.
Redekop said he’d learned of the rumours earlier that day.
“It was brought to my attention earlier today that one of the candidates in the provincial election, not through her own doing, but through someone on Facebook, suggested that I’ve endorsed a candidate for the provincial election,” he said.
However, he stressed that throughout his 20 years as mayor he’s never endorsed a candidate either federally or provincially.
“Simply because I don’t believe it’s a prudent practice and I don’t believe that the people of Fort Erie a), particularly care what I think, or b), want to think that I’m partisan in any way,” he said, adding he and others on council have to work with provincial and federal politicians of all political stripes.
Premier Doug Ford called the snap election late last month and election day is Thursday.
Fort Erie is part of the Niagara Falls riding, and sees incumbent Wayne Gates, of the NDPs, going up against several contenders. They include: Independent Joedy Burdett, New Blue’s Gary Dumelie, Liberal Shafoli Kapur, PC Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg, Ontario Party’s Andrew Soifert, and Green Party’s Celia Taylor.
While he won’t endorse anyone, Redekop did thank those who voted in advanced polls and those who are planning to cast a ballot on election day.
“One of the hallmarks of a free and democratic society is the right to elect our leaders. And so I hope that everyone in this community will take the time to vote,” he said.
“That is how we craft the future of our communities.”
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About The Author
Luke Edwards
Luke Edwards is a longtime Niagara community journalist who has covered a variety of beats, including business, agriculture, the wine industry and politics. When not writing, there's a good chance he can be found at a baseball diamond or curling rink.
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