Horwath ‘not daunted’ by Ontario’s dismal economic outlook
HAMILTON – On Andrea Horwath’s first full day on the job as provincial New Democratic leader she vowed to bring universal child care, affordable housing and 300,000 Ontario jobs if she becomes premier.
But paying for those promises in an era when Ontario faces a combined $18 billion deficit over the next two years does "not necessarily" mean raising taxes, Horwath told reporters yesterday.
"There are ways we can ensure the wealth generated in our economy pays for these kinds of programs," she said. For instance, regaining 300,000 lost manufacturing jobs need not be a dream – a "Buy Ontario" plan could get everyone working again, she said.
"Together, we can get steel mills running again," she said in reference to the devastating layoffs of more than 1,500 people last week at U.S. Steel in Hamilton and at the Nanticoke plant near Lake Erie.
"Steel for cars and wind turbines can be made right here in Hamilton that will be used to make electric cars … in Oshawa and Windsor."
The Hamilton native made history Saturday night when she defeated three men to become the first Ontario female NDP leader.
"For many women and their families, life is getting tougher, especially here in Dalton McGuinty’s Ontario," she told a crowd of more than 1,000 supporters at the Hamilton Convention Centre.
Federal New Democratic leader Jack Layton was in Hamilton yesterday to welcome Horwath as provincial leader pay day loans. "It is International Women’s Day and we are thinking about the importance of women leadership," he told reporters. "The fact the party has chosen a woman to lead at this critical time when women actually suffer more than others in an economic crisis sends a very strong message."
Horwath inherits a party with only 10 seats in the Legislature. It has struggled to achieve greater representation since premier Bob Rae’s crushing defeat in 1995.
Outgoing leader Howard Hampton is not giving up his seat as MPP for Kenora-Rainy River.
Horwath, MPP for Hamilton Centre and the daughter of a Ford auto worker, won the leadership Saturday with 60 per cent of the vote on the final ballot over MPP Peter Tabuns (Toronto-Danforth).
The leadership contest came to a dramatic end after candidate MPP Gilles Bisson (Timmins-James Bay) crossed the floor to support Horwath once the second-ballot results showed he finished third. Toronto MPP Michael Prue (Beaches-East York) fell off the ticket after the first round.
Horwath told the Star she is ready for the challenge of leadership and that the party is united behind her:
"There is no doubt a huge sense of responsibility and a huge commitment to the promises that I made and the people who feel inspired. I am not daunted, I am excited."
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