Welland NDP MPP to stand down for spring vote
BY VOICE STAFF
Welland MPP Cindy Forster announced Wednesday that she will not seek re-election in June.
“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,” she said in a statement. “I have family circumstances that require my attention, and so I will not seek re-election in 2018.”
Ontario New Democratic Party leader Andrea Horwath said, “No matter how important the work, family has to come first, and I fully support Cindy's decision to be with her family at this time. On behalf of all New Democrats, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Cindy for her years of service to Ontarians, and best wishes as she prepares for the next chapter in her life.”
Horwath touted Forster’s commitment to affordable housing, pay equity, labour protections, and the environment.
“In her long career in nursing and public service, Cindy has focused on the issues that matter to Ontario families, and worked every day to offer hope to those that need it most,” Horwath said. She added that Forster has built a “foundation” for the issues important to her, on which work will continue by others.
Forster was first elected to Queen’s Park in the 2011 provincial election, filling the seat left vacant by the retirement of longtime MPP Peter Kormos. Prior to that election, Forster served as a Regional Councillor, Welland City Councillor, and as the Mayor of Welland from 2000 to 2003.
Forster is also a Registered Nurse, and worked in health care prior to becoming a full-time politician.
“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,” she said Wednesday.
“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.”
