Statement from MPP Cindy Forster

Cindy Forster, the NDP MPP from the riding of Welland, announced Wednesday that she will not seek re-election in 2018. She released the following statement:

“Over the last seven years, it has been an absolute honour to serve as the voice for the riding of Welland at Queen’s Park. With the support of my constituents, my staff and our riding teams, I have worked to create a healthier and a more just Ontario – not just in the Niagara Centre region, but across the province.

Together, we have accomplished so much: saving our local hospital and urgent care; building safer and more secure workplaces; and safeguarding our natural resources. We have done good work together.

With no regrets about the time I’ve given to public service, I have made the decision that the time is right for me to hand the reins to someone who will continue the work for Niagara Centre residents with the kind of commitment and passion the people of this region deserve. I have family circumstances that require my attention, and so I will not seek re-election in 2018.

I would like to express my immense gratitude to my husband Brian and our family; my staff who have helped thousands of people across our community; Andrea Horwath and my NDP caucus colleagues; Welland riding families, activists, and party members; and the local media who have always been there to share the important stories of our community. This journey would not have been the same without the support you’ve given me.

Serving the community from the frontlines for more than four decades as a public servant in many different roles, and over these last seven years as an MPP, I have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with workers and families in our struggle for a better tomorrow. Throughout my career, across different levels of government and community activism, I have always been motivated by improving the lives of Ontario families.

From now until the election in June, I will continue to work on the causes that are so critical to the wellbeing of our communities. I look back at everything we have already achieved with immense pride, I have great confidence in Andrea Horwath, and I feel hopeful and optimistic about the future of this great province.”