"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."

A well-known labour leader and workers advocate, Mike Piché has a long history standing up for working families. As a staff representative for the United Steelworkers and a longtime steelworker himself, Mike knows what it means to be part of a working family, and he knows how hard it can be for working families to make ends meet in Dalton McGuinty’s Ontario. Mike grew up in Northern Ontario and began his working life at Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie. Since moving south, Mike has been involved in adult education and works with union members employed by Northwest Airlines, US Airways, CN Rail and others.

In 1992, Mike was working with miners at the newly-opened Westray Coal Mine in Nova Scotia. They wanted to join the union because they were concerned with the mine’s safety. Mike was there on the morning that the mine exploded, killing 26 men.

The Westray experience only increased Mike’s resolve to work for better, safer communities where decent jobs provide the basis for a sustainable way of life for working families.

Mike and Judy Piché have lived in the Niagara region for the past 20 years. Mike is the proud father of four adult children – Angel, Michelle, Robert and Nathan. Mike is looking forward to standing up for working Niagara Falls families at Queen’s Park.