NDP Leader Howard Hampton came to Hamilton today with a message for Dalton McGuinty – help Hamilton′s flooding victims.

“During disasters, governments are supposed to be there for the victims, not standing on the sidelines doing nothing,” Hampton said.

“Dalton McGuinty should stand up, show some leadership and provide disaster relief to the Hamilton families and businesses and community agencies that are suffering because of the recent flooding,” he said.

Hampton toured Hamilton today to see the flood damage for himself. Joining him were Hamilton East MPP Andrea Horwath and Ward 4 Councillor Sam Merulla. The three met local flooding victims and surveyed homes, businesses and community agencies that suffered property damage when last week′s floods filled them with water and sewage.

In addition to short-term assistance for flood victims, Hampton called on the McGuinty government to prevent future flooding by fast-tracking the City of Hamilton′s infrastructure capital renewal plan so the 10-year plan for upgrading the city′s dilapidated sewer and water infrastructure is completed within three years.

“Dalton McGuinty – show you′re on the side of Hamilton′s flood victims. Get behind the City of Hamilton infrastructure renewal plan. Fast-track much-needed improvements to the community′s water and sewer system. Help prevent future flooding. Act now, before more people have to suffer,” Hampton said.

On July 12, Horwath urged McGuinty and Public Infrastructure Renewal Minister David Caplan to visit Hamilton to see the flood damage firsthand, a call Hampton reiterated today.

“It′s hard to inspect Hamilton′s flood damage from an office in Queen′s Park,” Hampton said.

“I urge Dalton McGuinty and David Caplan to come to Hamilton, see the flood mess first-hand and meet the victims. Maybe then they will realize flood victims deserve compensation. And maybe then they will fast-track infrastructure improvements, to prevent future flooding,” he said.