New Democrats nominate candidate in Niagara-West Glanbrook

Ontario's New Democrats have nominated retired police officer and former President of the Hamilton Police Association Mike Thomas to carry the party’s banner during the November 17th byelection in the riding of Niagara-West Glanbrook.

“I am thrilled to have Mr. Thomas representing the NDP in Niagara-West Glanbrook.  This election is a chance for people in this riding to have a voice in the future of their community and I know that Mike will work hard to show people that the NDP is different, we have a real plan for the future,” remarked Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath.

Over the past few months the NDP has begun to articulate it’s priorities for the campaign and future of the province.  The party has been steadfastly against the further sell-off of Hydro One and in favour of the permanent removal of the provincial portion of the HST from people’s bills.  Horwath has called for predictable increases to base hospital funding as a way to stabilize damage done by the Premier’s funding cuts and on Labour Day, she committed her party to policies that would create good jobs in Ontario.

“I think that people in Niagara-West Glanbrook deserve a representative who will fight to stop the sale of hydro one and lower hydro rates, invest in our schools so that our children and grandchildren get the education they need to succeed and make sure that people have access to the healthcare they need, where and when they need it,” Horwath said. “I know that Mike is that person and I am thrilled to have him on board.”

In her remarks at the meeting, Horwath spoke about both Premier Kathleen Wynne and Ontario PC leader Patrick Brown.  She noted in particular, the Liberal’s wrong-headed sell-off of Hydro One and the Conservative party’s long history of privatizing public utilities like hydro and cutting spending to important sectors like education and healthcare.

“Patrick Brown isn’t the answer for the people of Niagara-West Glanbrook.  This riding has been represented by the Conservative party for decades and people here are ready for a change,” said Horwath. “Both Mr. Brown and Ms. Wynne represent a government that will help people at the top get further ahead while the middle class and everyone else pays the price.  Mike and the NDP want to make sure that the people of Niagara-West Glanbrook are represented by a party that champions healthcare you can count on, lower hydro bills and a good education system for the next generation.  Government should be about helping people and that’s what New Democrats will be talking about over the next four weeks.