Ford picked up key endorsements from the mayors of Niagara’s three largest cities. Pictured: Welland Mayor Frank Campion, Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, Premier Doug Ford, and St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford kicked off the first weekend of his re-election campaign by making multiple stops in the Niagara Region today.
While speaking in Niagara Falls, Ford announced that the provincial government would be adding another $22 billion to its plan to build, which is worth almost $200 billion. If Ford’s Progressive Conservatives are re-elected, this new investment will help the government fund the widening of the section of the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) located between Burlington and St. Catharines, reducing traffic congestion and facilitating a smoother commute for residents, workers, businesses, and commercial transportation.
“In the face of U.S. tariffs and the devastation they would cause to our economy, we’re going to invest even more in our plan to build so we can get shovels in the ground and keep people working,” Ford shared. “While the previous Liberal government left Ontario saddled with a massive infrastructure deficit, our PC team is helping create jobs for skilled tradespeople across the province as we build the roads, transit, homes, hospitals, schools and highways our growing province needs, including the widening of the QEW here in Niagara.”
The Niagara Region includes three pivotal swing ridings which are currently held by the NDP but are seen as potential gains for Ford’s PCs, who have nominated competitive candidates in each jurisdiction. These names include Port Colborne Mayor Bill Steele in the riding of Niagara Centre, Niagara Falls City Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines City Councillor Sal Sorrento in St. Catharines.
Ford was joined by each of these candidates, as well as Niagara West MPP and Associate Minister of Energy and Electrification Sam Oosterhoff, at Heddle Shipyards and Steelcon in St. Catharines.
“Visiting Ontario Shipyards today alongside Premier Doug Ford was a great opportunity to see the incredible work being done to keep Ontario thriving,” Sorrento said in a social media post. “This facility is a vital part of St. Catharines’ economy, providing skilled jobs and contributing to Ontario’s economic growth.”
“Niagara’s Shipyard workers are relying on us to protect jobs and strengthen our marine industry,” Steele shared. “Niagara Centre has a long history of shipbuilding, and I’ve fought to bring new investments and good-paying jobs right here to our community.”
“With Premier Ford’s leadership, we will protect Ontario jobs and grow our economy.”
While making campaign stops in Niagara Falls, Ford was also accompanied by St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe, Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, and Welland Mayor Frank Campion, the mayors of Niagara’s three largest cities. All three municipal leaders officially endorsed Ford today, arguing that his immense experience as a businessman and his tenured leadership as premier prove that he is the best choice to lead Canada’s largest province through this tumultuous time in Canadian-American relations.
“Premier Ford is not like other leaders who come and listen with no intent of actually making a change,” said Diodati. “He is responsive, accessible, has listened to our needs in Niagara and he follows through with action. His strategies outlined in ‘Destination Niagara’ will help ensure projects that are important to us, including the new South Niagara Hospital, the GO Train, the University of Niagara Falls and the Niagara District Airport are a success.”
“We need a person that understands and acts, and we need to keep the momentum going. Premier Ford has the experience and know-how to take us through turbulent times,” Diodati continued. “With the threat of tariffs, the Premier’s solid business background and extensive American business experience put him in a strong position to lead us on the path.”
“Doug Ford has consistently made St. Catharines and our workers a priority,” Siscoe argued. “His commitment to ensure our local economy and our valued local workforce benefit from provincial investments in critical infrastructure is vital to our future.”
“In times of economic uncertainty, the Premier has had our back and the backs of our workers and I look forward to continuing to support and work with him to grow St. Catharines and the entire Niagara Region.”
“Doug Ford and the provincial government have consistently supported and invested in the hardworking families and businesses of the Niagara Region,” Campion remarked. “Through significant funding to keep our communities safe, create jobs and keep costs down for families, and build much-needed infrastructure, this PC government has shown its commitment to our needs.”
“I am pleased to support Premier Ford,” Campion continued. “He will need a strong team to protect workers and businesses in Niagara from the threat of U.S. tariffs. A vote to elect local Ontario PC candidates to Queen’s Park will ensure we safeguard a bright future for our communities.”
In addition to fighting against President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs, Ford’s platform for a third term also includes banning drug injection sites located near childcare facilities and educational institutions, investing more than $1 billion to help more Ontarians access essential medical care, opposing the federal carbon tax and make unprecedented investments to build more critical infrastructure.
The provincial election will take place on Thursday, Feb. 27.
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
