FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 December 2025
QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario Liberal Critic for Economic Development & Innovation, Tourism, Sport and Culture, MPP (Ajax) Rob Cerjanec says the Ford government’s latest tourism announcement in Niagara Region fails to address the real challenges facing the region.
“Over the last day I have been in touch with local municipal leaders in Niagara Region, and everyone is saying the same thing: this is not a new announcement, just a repackaging of what has already been discussed’,” said Cerjanec. “Premier Ford is slapping a shiny Protect Ontario sign on this latest re-announcement to distract from the real challenges in Niagara Region and while ignoring what communities are clearly asking for. Many are wondering which donor or friend of the Premier is next in line to benefit.”
Cerjanec said there is real need for provincial support and Niagara’s leaders have consistently identified healthcare, infrastructure, and transit as the region’s most urgent priorities.
“In Fort Erie and Port Colborne, there’s an aging population and access to healthcare is critical,” he said. “Investing in urgent care centres would do more for Niagara Region and help boost business investment instead of closures and job cuts at Niagara Health.”
“Wastewater and sewage treatment in Niagara Falls needs major repairs,” said Cerjanec. “Local leaders are calling for a new Niagara South Waste Water Treatment Facility in order to ensure residents have access to reliable infrastructure and new private investment can actually take place.
At the same time, Cerjanec questioned the government’s narrow focus on new tourism attractions rather than a regional strategy.
“Niagara’s strengths stretch across the region,” said Cerjanec. “Culinary tourism, wineries, craft breweries, agri-tourism, beaches on Lake Erie, trails, and local culture all need to be supported and connected with reliable transit so workers and visitors can move throughout the region. This announcement only talks about a small number of what local leaders are saying is needed”
Cerjanec said the government’s Destination Niagara plan ignores key regional assets like the Fort Erie Race Track and just doubles down on casinos that are already struggling in Niagara Falls. Cerjanec is also calling on the province to release its business case for more casinos in Niagara Falls.
“Niagara deserves a government that focuses on real issues and takes a regional approach to tourism,” he said. “If the province truly wants to change lives in Niagara, it must invest in healthcare, infrastructure, and transit, not just re-announcements.”