Horwath says New Democrats win when they're leading change

HAMILTON, ON, April 14, 2012 /CNW/ - In a keynote address on day two of the New Democrat convention, NDP Leader Andrea Horwath told a packed hall of delegates that New Democrats are growing because people are hungry for change.

"People across Ontario know the same old politics aren't working. They know it's time for change and New Democrats are leading that change" said Horwath to an energized crowd.

Voters across Ontario sent more New Democrat MPPs to Queen's Park in 2011 and the party has doubled in size, adding 18,000 new members since the last convention. Horwath told delegates that New Democrats are growing because they're offering real solutions to the challenges facing everyday people.

"If Ontario is going to succeed, the people who make it work cannot keep falling behind," said Horwath. "We need a government that will work with business to create and protect jobs, not hand out tax giveaways to companies that ship jobs away. We need to work hard to protect our healthcare system, not just the paychecks of the CEOs who run it. We need to offer some relief to households struggling with the bills, instead of making life more expensive."

Horwath says the way New Democrats are handling of the first minority Budget is an example of the sort of change people want to see.

"The path of easy, simple opposition to everything can be tempting but it's exactly what's turning people off of politics and makes them cynical about the possibility for change," said Horwath. "We're showing the people of this province the sort of Ontario we want to build.  We're showing them that we're willing to make minority government  work."

Horwath says New Democrats are showing everyday people a way to build a better province and bring change that puts people first.

"Let's protect health care, reward job creators and ask millionaires to pitch in for daycares. Let's build a fairer Ontario."

Media Contact: Marion Nader 416-904-5122