“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.”

Rick Downes has dedicated his life to public service, as a soldier, educator, school trustee and city councillor, and now he wants to stand up for working families as the next MPP for Kingston and The Islands.

When he was just 16 years old, Rick joined the 48th Highlanders of Canada, headquartered at Moss Park Armoury in Toronto. He became a marksman and excelled in parachute training, and was awarded the Queen’s Silver Jubilee medallion. He went on to learn French at Laval University, then earned degrees from the University of Toronto and Queen’s. For the past two decades, Rick has been an educator, working his way up to the position of Vice-Principal of James R. Henderson Public School. Rick has also served as a school trustee and city councillor for King’s Town District, and helped his wife Sylvie raise three kids (Julie, Patrick and David).

Rick has proven to be a community leader you can count on. He is someone you can trust to stand up for fairness at Queen’s Park.