"It’s time working families got a fair deal. Dalton McGuinty’s record has been one broken promise after another. But he still found time to give himself a $40,000 pay raise. That’s someone who has lost touch with working families. We deserve better.

"I’m proud to stand with Howard Hampton – a leader who is upfront, honest, and principled. You know you can count on us to stand up for seniors, children, parents, and working people.

"This time, ask yourself ‘Which leader and party can I count on to fight for a fair deal for working families?’

"I hope I can count on your support on October 10."

Andrea Horwath was first elected as the NDP MPP for Hamilton East in a decisive byelection in 2004.

Among her many initiatives, Andrea’s Bill 111 calling for presumptive legislation for firefighters shamed the McGuinty Liberals into acting to protect the health of firefighters and was adopted into law as a government bill on May 3, 2007. Andrea is particularly proud that she successfully pushed the government to compensate firefighters for their occupational diseases.

Before her election, Andrea was the popular three-term city councillor for Hamilton’s downtown ward and was first elected municipally in 1997.

Currently she is the NDP Critic for Pensions, Children and Youth Issues, WSIB and Women’s Issues.

Andrea’s community activism and work began long before her election to City Council. She was a community development worker at McQuesten Legal Clinic, organizing many groups (including tenants, injured workers, people with disabilities) and providing the community with opportunities for public legal education and participation in legislative reforms.

She received a Woman of the Year Award in 1997 from the Hamilton Status of Women Committee in recognition of her work in the community. Andrea was also awarded the Graham Emslie Award for Community Development in Housing by the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association.

Andrea has been a life-long resident of Hamilton. She received her B.A. in Labour Studies from McMaster University and lives in Hamilton with her partner Ben and their son Julian.