Statement by Andrea Horwath on Premier Dalton McGuinty's resignation and prorogation of the Legislature

QUEEN'S PARK, ON, Oct. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath issued the following statement today following Premier Dalton McGuinty's resignation and prorogation of the Legislature:

"I want to thank Dalton McGuinty for his years of service to people of Ontario. I know political life is often thankless but the work we do here is important. I want to thank the Premier for making those sacrifices and his family, who I know, have made their share of sacrifices too.

"While I want to thank the Premier, I also want to be clear that we don't support prorogation. The people who make this province work everyday sent us here to do a job and that work shouldn't stop while the Liberal party focuses on leadership.

"Prorogation effectively cancels hearings on the multi-million cost of cancelled gas plants. That matter alone is concerning but the fact is, there is important work we need to do here in the Legislature. People are worried about finding and keeping good jobs. They're worried about the growing cost of everyday life. They're looking for family doctors and hospitals that can deliver care when they need it.

"We have important work to do and stopping that work while the Liberals select a new Leader isn't serving the people who elected us.

"I understand the Premier won't be leaving immediately and I'm sure he knows I plan to keep debating him. I hope before too long he will agree: the work we do here is too important to simply stop now. His own career here proves it."

SOURCE: NDP Caucus Services

Marion Nader
[phone]