Province calls byelections in Niagara Falls and Thornhill for Feb. 13

TORONTO – Premier Kathleen Wynne rejects Opposition accusations the Liberal government is trying to buy votes in one of two provincial byelections she called today.

Wynne announced today that byelections will be held Feb. 13 in Niagara Falls and the Toronto riding of Thornhill to replace Liberal and Progressive Conservative members who retired.

The Conservatives say Wynne recently announced a $75-million package for the Niagara wine industry and $26 million for plans to build a new hospital in Niagara Falls in an effort to hang onto the riding.

But Wynne says both the new hospital, which was announced Monday, and the assistance for the wine industry were in the works for a long time and had nothing to do with the byelections.

She says the wine sector has huge potential for growth and providing government money is part of the Liberal’s economic strategy.

The outcomes of the byelections will not affect the minority status of the Liberal government, no matter which party wins.

The premier made the comments at an event to promote the province’s wine industry, sponsored by the Grape Growers of Ontario.