News from the Constituency Office of Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates, whose provincial riding includes Niagara Falls, Niagara-on=theLake and Fort Erie, Ontario
Posted October 23rd, 2026 on Niagara At Large
Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates
NIAGARA FALLS — MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) has been named the Official Opposition’s shadow minister for Tourism, Gaming and Sport, pledging to fight for good jobs, affordability, smart investment and a stronger voice for local residents.
“Tourism is a $3 billion industry supporting 40,000 jobs across Niagara. I’ve spent years fighting for casino workers, Niagara Parks workers and the families who depend on those jobs. We’ve been successful in getting investments into the Shaw, keeping our Fort Erie Racetrack open, getting more investment for our GO Train services,” said Gates.
MPP Wayne Gates recently successfully pressured the government alongside the local community about Doug Ford’s second ferris wheel plan to use public green space at Queen Victoria Park for the attraction.
“I’m proud of having a record of fighting for a tourism industry that balances my constituents’ needs while also growing the economy and highlighting the incredible beauty of Niagara Falls.
I’ll be taking that same approach across Ontario and continue to make sure we’re creating good-paying jobs. Ensuring we get the resources we need to support our hospitals and infrastructure as we grow. Make sure the people who live in our communities are actually benefiting. I’ll work with the government on good investments, but I’ll always hold them accountable when they’re not getting it right.”
Earlier this spring, MPP Gates stood up for Niagara Parks workers calling for a fair deal after concerns were raised about provincial Treasury Board involvement in stalled contract negotiations.
“I’ve never cared what political party someone belongs to when it comes to getting things done for Niagara. When Niagara Parks workers were fighting for a fair deal, I picked up the phone and spoke directly with the Minister and the Premier. I plan that take that same approach to this file, because I’ll work with anyone who’s willing to work with me to get results for workers and residents when it is fair.”
Since 2022, Gates previously served as Long-Term Care critic, he had been awarded this portfolio due to his advocacy for seniors, families and frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, including successfully advocating for the modernization of regulations protecting seniors following the deaths of 40 residents at Oakwood Park Lodge in Niagara Falls.
“I’m proud of the work we’ve done fighting for seniors, their families and frontline workers. We made sure the government couldn’t ignore what was happening in our long-term care homes, and that work won’t stop for me locally. I’ll bring that same determination to this new provincial responsibility.”
Gates plans to accomplish protecting gaming jobs, ensuring that we have responsible gaming and making community sports more affordable and accessible for families across Ontario.
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