One of the Niagara region's most notable and beloved politicians, Mel Swart, has passed away at the age of 87. Mel served the Welland area at Queen's Park as a NDP MPP from 1975 to 1988. The NDP's current success in the riding can be attributed to Swart's tireless efforts.
He was a tireless champion of social justice, and was the primary advocate of public automobile insurance. After the NDP abandoned that plan in the early 1990s, he called for Bob Rae's resignation, stating "Bob Rae, as premier, has undermined, torn apart, and trampled on the basic principles, policies and integrity of the NDP." Truer words have rarely been spoken.
"Mel Swart was just an incredibly committed and fearless advocate for working women and men and their families," said Niagara Centre MPP Peter Kormos. "He was there with those great leaders when they were building the party and building the movement in the '50s and '60s. He was highly regarded by politicians of all political stripes, and all voters."
They don't make em' like they used to. Mel Swart will be missed by all.
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