MPP Gates questions Ford about quiet removal of public appointee

QUEEN’S PARK – MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls riding) questioned Ford about the silent removal of the Vice-Chair of the Niagara Parks Commission and Niagara Falls Bridge Commission today.

Former conservative MPP and lobbyist, Bart Maves, was quietly removed as Vice-Chair from the Niagara Parks Commission this week with no notice or explanation, raising questions about Ford’s corrupt pattern of appointing political insiders to important boards.

“The Niagara Parks Commission is a key part of our tourism industry in Niagara and the 40,000 jobs it supports – not to mention their role in preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Niagara River,” said Gates.

“In Niagara we expect the Parks to run free from political interference. Yet this government has been stacking the Niagara Parks Commission with failed Conservative politicians and friends. It’s odd they would suddenly remove a long-time Conservative insider like Mr. Maves. Is there more to this story?

We need to have confidence that the people making important choices for Niagara’s vital tourism industry are the best qualified for the job – not just friends of Ford.”