Niagara Falls MPP Kim Craitor is defending his decision to join protesting teachers on the lawn of Queen's Park.

Tuesday, the Liberal stood among union members with a large, orange, rectangular button on his lapel that read "Respect Teachers, Respect Collective Bargaining".

Speaking with 610 CKTB's Tom McConnell, Craitor says he was asked by "a number of people" to join the rally.  The MPP has a personal policy of always dropping in on demonstrations, whether they are for or against the government.

Craitor has admitted to having "difficulty" with the government bill before the legislature, that would impose a contract on teachers & other education workers.  He has said it "challenges" his principles & values.  He wouldn't reveal if he'd vote for the bill, saying "I'll know when the time comes, it's not an easy decision".

The Niagara Falls Liberal told Tom McConnell Wednesday, he does the best can & if people think he's out to lunch, they won't vote him for him in the next election.  Craitor says that woudln't be the end of the world.

Craitor also defends his allegiance to the Grits after often refusing to toe the party line.  Craitor has been at odds with the Liberal over the closure of Fort Erie's emergency room, the shutdown of the town's slots & he ran in the last election without the Liberal banner on his lawn signs.

Craitor says he stays with the party because the Premier has helped his riding several times--pointing to cash for the Niagara Falls Convention Centre, Niagara-on-the-Lake's Community Centre, Fort Erie's flood problems &  help to keep the town's race track afloat.

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