News from the Office of Niagara Falls Riding MPP Wayne Gates
QUEEN’S PARK, April 23rd, 2015 — NDP MPP Wayne Gates was keeping a close eye on what the budget would offer the people of Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates
“People from Niagara are telling me that they want a plan for healthcare, education, jobs and affordability of everyday life. This budget does nothing for those priorities” says Gates.
Gates went on to point out that the budget contains cuts for education in the province. On the topic of affordability, he highlighted recent increases in hydro bills and concerns over job cuts. Gates lambasted the government on their proposed selloff of Hydro One to fund their infrastructure projects.
“The sale of Hydro One amounts to around 3% of their promised ten year expenditure plan for transit and infrastructure” Said Gates “This sale will mean higher rates for Niagara families who are already paying the highest bills in Canada. While families will see their hydro bills go higher this budget does nothing to close tax loopholes for some of the wealthiest corporations in this province.”
Also concerned about the unemployment rate of the region Gates focused on the wording around jobs plans and supports for those looking for work in the new budget
“This budget contains no new plan for job growth – either in Niagara or Ontario.” Said Gates “it cuts apprenticeships, cuts youth jobs plans and cuts second career support. We have smart, dedicated and talented people who just want to work. This is absolutely unacceptable.”
“There was no mention in the budget of the commitment to daily GO train service all the way to Niagara Falls. The Premier has said it’s a ‘high, high priority’ and the chair of the Liberal Cabinet, the MPP from St. Catharines Jim Bradley, said he could see it coming in 2015 – well it’s 2015.”
“Today (April 23rd, 2015) was just the major announcement, over the next few days I’m going to read the budget line by line and see where this Government believes Niagara is getting its share”
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Niagara At Large 
NOTHING is a high priority where Niagara is concerned. Fewer jobs, fewer hospitals, less transit, boarded up stores, food banks…….Ontario ends at Hamilton.
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