Burch carrying NDP flag for Niagara Centre
Jeff Burch is poised to carry the New Democrats back to Queen’s Park for central Niagara, where orange has been king for more than four decades
People gathered at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 4 in Welland Wednesday night erupted into cheers as the former Merritton ward councillor for St. Catharines was elected Niagara Centre NDP candidate in the June election.
Burch, executive director and CEO of Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre in St. Catharines, said he is eager to get started with the next stage of his political journey and to represent the people of the Niagara Centre riding, the new name of what’s now called Welland riding.
“They’re big shoes to fill … loafers, cowboy boots, high heels,” he said referring to Cindy Forster and the late Peter Kormos and, who each held the NDP MPP role in the riding, albeit with various boundary incarnations.
“They’re all iconic politicians in Ontario and I’m just going to work as hard as I can to earn the trust of the constituents of Niagara Centre.”
Burch said it’s a bit intimidating to think about having to take on a provincial role that has been previously held by the likes of Forster and Kormos, who have done such positive work in the community, but he said he’s been fortunate to know these leaders and to have learned from them.
He also gave a nod to Malcolm Allen, who represented the riding federally for the NDP from 2008 to 2015, when he lost to the Liberals.
Burch Wednesday night was up against Welland Ward 4 Coun. Pat Chiocchio and Melissa McGlashan, a Welland resident and member of the city’s library board and transit advisory committee.
Each had their chance to share their ideas and hopes for Niagara Centre with the crowd, and each of the three spoke vehemently about keeping the area orange — the party’s colours — as it has been for 42 years.
Forster and Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath shared that desire and spoke strongly of solving the issues brought on by upper levels of government, such as cuts to vital services, including education and health care.
During his initial speech, Burch shared about how familiar he is with the struggles of the healthcare system through a personal connection. He said several years ago, his father suffered a stroke and was unable to receive proper care for 36 hours because of the issues in the health- care system. He said this is an unfortunate tale that too many people in the area can relate to.
Forster said, “We keep switching between liberal and conservative and life just keeps getting harder and harder.
Said Horwath, “We as New Democrats have a plan that offers hope and will move the lives of Ontarians … in a positive direction.
“New Democrats are going to take on some of the biggest challenges we face as a society. “
Burch said he feels these messages of hope and action are what call people to the party. He said during this part of the election alone, hundreds of new members have signed up for the party as the candidates and leaders continue to share that message.
During the nomination meeting, Horwath spoke highly of the work and dedication that Forster has done for the area, its constituents and for the NDP overall. Because of that, Forster was given a lifetime membership to the NDP by the riding association. Horwath presented her with a certificate.
Niagara Centre riding covers Welland, Port Colborne, Thorold and southern St. Catharines.