NDP Leader Howard Hampton wrapped up the party’s successful Fresh Ideas New Energy convention today by inviting progressive Ontarians to get behind his campaign to give working families a break - for a change.

“Friends, at this Convention, New Democrats sent the people of Ontario a clear strong message: It’s time to give working families a break. It’s time for fairness for working people. And it’s New Democrats who will lead the fight,” Hampton said.

“I invite all progressive people who want to build a better Ontario to ‘Get Orange’, get involved with the NDP and help us build the Ontario of our dreams - an Ontario that puts working families first,” he said.

Some 1,000 New Democrats attended the high-energy convention this weekend in Toronto. Highlights included a passionate keynote speech by Hampton, an inspiring speech by Jack Layton, Leader of Canada’s NDP, and the Ontario NDP’s launch of a modern new look and logo that urges Ontarians to “Get Orange.”

Between now and the October 4th Ontario provincial election, Hampton will tour the province, to listen to ordinary working people, and to bring the party’s message of hope, fresh ideas and leadership you can count on to people and communities across Ontario.

“I am excited about 2007. Together, New Democrats will provide a fresh alternative to Dalton McGuinty’s unreliable leadership, broken promises and wrong priorities like the 31% MPP pay hike. New Democrats will put the priorities of working people first -- better health care and education, real action on the environment, a clean green energy future, good jobs and a fair $10 minimum wage -- and make a real positive difference for everyday people,” Hampton said.