Horwath makes last-day byelection swing through Niagara Falls

How the races go on Thursday in a pair of byelections in the Niagara Falls and Thornhill ridings will go a long way towards the possibility of a province wide general election in the spring. If the PC’s win both seats, that could slow the election momentum down. But it looks like they’re in a tight race with the New Democrats in Niagara Falls.

Polls show it may be a tight race between Progressive Conservative Candidate Bart Maves and NDP Candidate Wayne Gates.

The Liberal Candidate Joyce Morocco has about 17 percent support in the riding that was held by former Liberal Kim Craitor for ten years before he retired. But it’s a party’s past reputation that’s leading some voters choice.

“After Mr. Bob Rae it probably wont’ be that party. After Premier Ma and Pop it probably won’t be that party, so I’ll leave it up to you to deduce who I’m more than likely to vote for.”

During the byelection Thursday , some say they’ll chose who best represents addressing the issues important to them.

“Jobs definitely this area, jobs. It’s really sad for me and a lot of people ya they can do a lot better there’s a lot of money that can be allocated to better use.”

PC Labour Critic Monte McNaughton is accusing NDP Candidate Wayne Gates of letting the interest of union leaders over rule the interest of working families: “Sid Ryan has been very clear that they’ve sent over 700 special interest union members to the province to defeat Tim Hudak and the PCs. And families in Niagara Falls damn well deserve to know who is on their side, and it’s not the NDP or Wayne Gates.”

A claim New Democratic Leader Andrea Horwath calls desperate: “It’s obviously a last-ditch desperate attempt to take people’s attention away from what’s really important here in Niagara Falls, and Fort Erie and Crystal Beach and all around. The reality is, jobs are the big issue here. And what Hudak wants to do and what Mr McNaughton wants to do is drive wages down and make life more insecure for people.”

A survey released Wednesday by Forum Research says Niagara Falls has the NDP in the lead with 48% support. And in Thornhill, the survey shows it could be a PC win with 51% support.

Voters will cast their ballots Thursday. Polls close at 9 pm. CHCH News will have the final results and reaction on the Evening News at 11.