Wayne Gates
MPP for the Niagara Falls Riding, proudly representing Niagara Falls, Fort Erie & Niagara-on-the-Lake
Wayne Gates is the Member of Provincial Parliament for the riding of Niagara Falls, which includes Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie. He has the unique distinction of being elected twice in less than six months, first by winning a by-election in February of 2014 and then again in the General Election four months later. He was last re-elected in 2018 with a record vote share in the provincial riding of 50.79%.
Prior to his election Wayne served as a City Councillor in the city of Niagara Falls. Before entering politics Wayne proudly represented the membership of Unifor 199 as their local union president for over a decade. During this time Wayne was instrumental in standing up for the rights of workers and making sure that everyone he represented had access to decent, well-paying and safe jobs. Wayne also served as the campaign chair for the United Way, member the Yellow Shirt Brigade to save the Fort Erie hospital, member of the city's recreation committee, Project Share volunteer, and member of the Ontario Health Coalition.
Wayne and his wife Rita live in Niagara Falls. They are the proud parents of three daughters and grandparents of five grandchildren. They all make their home in the Niagara Region.
A community advocate, an experienced worker, and a long-time community activist, Wayne is determined to fight to make life more affordable for the people of the communities he represents.
“When I was growing up, our family had a lot of difficulties. Some of it was living in poverty, some of it was having a tough time for my parents to make ends meet. Some people saw some things in me that I probably didn’t see myself, whether it be my teachers, or my wrestling coach or my hockey coach. I think through that I always feel that I can never give up on anybody, I should always be there to give them a hand up because there’s a lot of great people out there that just need a hand up.” – Wayne Gates
“I am determined to ensure we have access to healthcare in our communities, protect our schools, and make sure our young people have the future they were promised. Niagara has been hit hard and good people are out of work. I’m going to Queen’s Park to work for them.” - Wayne Gates