MPP Wayne Gates lays out priorities ahead of legislature session

Brent Jones
October 19, 2025 at 4:38 AM

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates, whose riding includes Fort Erie, says he is prepared to press the provincial government on issues affecting Niagara as the Ontario Legislature resumes its fall session after a 19-week break.

Gates said in a statement ahead of the October 20 return that he would focus on delivering for “Niagara families, workers, and seniors.” His priorities include what he described as strengthening public health care, increasing access to family physicians, creating good jobs, and improving housing affordability.

He also called for targeted support for key local sectors such as tourism, agriculture and manufacturing, along with provincial funding for the South Niagara Wastewater Treatment plant.

In remarks included in the release, he specifically referenced Fort Erie services, including restoring “24/7/365 services at Douglas Memorial urgent care in Fort Erie,” and “protecting local jobs at the Fort Erie Race Track through dedicated provincial funding.”

MPP Wayne Gates at the 2025 Ontario NDP Convention in September. Credit: Wayne Gates | Facebook

Gates has represented the Niagara Falls riding–which encompasses Fort Erie, Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake–since 2014, first by winning a by-election and then securing re-election in general elections, including in 2025 with roughly 55 per cent of the vote.

He previously held municipal office in Niagara Falls and served as president of Unifor Local 199 before entering provincial politics.

As the legislature reconvenes, Gates said he would introduce private members’ bills on issues such as caregiver benefits, coverage for prostate cancer testing under OHIP, free hospital parking, and changes to workplace injury claims.