The Riding Association
First founded in 1961, the Niagara Centre NDP has a long and proud history of representing NDP members and social democratic values at both the provincial and federal levels of government. Both our federal and provincial executives hold a variety of events and campaigns to help promote the values of our members in Welland, Port Colborne, Thorold, and South St. Catharines.
We believe that together with our members, we can strive for a better Niagara where nobody is left behind.
We believe that together with our members, we can strive for a better Niagara where nobody is left behind.
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Members Elected
MPP Mel Swart Melvin Leroy Swart served as a New Democratic Member of Provincial Parliament from 1975 to 1988. Born in London, Ontario, he held various municipal positions before focusing on provincial politics. He won the Welland provincial constituency in 1975, retaining it until retirement in 1988. He mentored Peter Kormos, who succeeded him in office and shared his advocacy for public auto insurance. The Mel Swart Lake Gibson Conservation Area in Thorold, Ontario, commemorates his legacy. MPP Peter Kormos Peter Kormos gained attention in Welland during high school as president of his student council, leading a sit-in strike protesting administration practices and students' rights. Despite involving a minority of students and resulting in his temporary expulsion, the strike highlighted Kormos's early activism. He pursued higher education at Niagara College, York University, and Osgoode Hall in Toronto, eventually becoming a barrister in the Niagara Region after being called to the bar in 1980. Peter Kormos began his political career in 1988, succeeding Mel Swart as a MPP and remained in office until 2011. Kormos was known for his populist approach and advocacy for working-class issues. Kormos was appointed to Bob Rae's cabinet in 1990 but was later dismissed due to conflicts with the Premier. He continued to challenge the government's policies and became a leading figure within the NDP caucus. After his retirement from provincial politics, Kormos was elected to Niagara Regional Council in 2012. He passed away in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of passionate advocacy and dedication to his constituents. Kormos was remembered for his economic values, populist style, and unwavering commitment to representing the working class. MPP Cindy Forster Forster started her political career by participating in the election campaigns of the MPP Mel Swart. Prior to her political career, she worked as a nurse. Forster served as Mayor of Welland from 2000 to 2003 and later represented the City on Niagara Regional Council. In 2011, she stepped away from her council position to run as a the NDP candidate in the provincial election, taking over from outgoing MPP Peter Kormos. Cindy Forster served as a Member of Provincial Parliament from 2011 to 2018. She was re-elected in 2014. Forster held the position of the party's Critic for Labour, Municipal Affairs and Caucus Chair during her time in office. Forster actively opposed the Niagara Health System's plan to shut down the Welland hospital. Forster did not seek re-election in 2018. MP Malcolm Allen Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Allen immigrated to Canada as a child. He holds an undergraduate degree in History and Political science from Brock University and worked as an electrician. He served on the Executive Board of CAW Local 199 from 1996 to 2000 as Recording Secretary and from 2000 to 2008 as Financial Secretary. He served on the Pelham Town Council from 2003 to 2008. Malcolm Allen was elected Member of Parliament in 2008. He served as the Critic for Agriculture and Agri-Food in the Shadow Cabinet of the Official Opposition. Allen was involved in various community initiatives, including overseeing landmine clearing projects in Africa and spearheading the creation of Genesis Court, a non-profit affordable housing complex. During his time in office, Allen introduced a private members bill to eliminate the GST from the purchase of poppies in support of the Royal Canadian Legion's annual Poppy Campaign. MPP Jeff Burch Before entering politics, Burch served as the Executive Director of Niagara Folk Arts and as a City Councillor for Merritton Ward in St. Catharines. He holds an Honours BA in Philosophy from Brock University and has a background in labor union leadership. In 1996, he was elected President of a United Steelworkers local union. Burch was elected MPP in 2018 and reelected in 2022. He serves as the Official Opposition Critic for Municipal Affairs and Caucus Chair. He achieved notable success in advocating for two-way all-day GO Transit rail service to Niagara shortly after his election in 2018. Burch actively challenged Niagara Health's proposal to shutter the urgent care facilities in Port Colborne and Fort Erie, and advocating against the reduction of emergency services at the Welland Hospital. |
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