The Stel Salaried
Pensioners Organization wishes to thank The Hamilton Spectator for permission
to post the following article by Reporter Brent Lawson published in the May 26,
2004 edition
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May. 26, 2004. 12:53 AM |
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NDP launches in Hamilton |
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Layton gains momentum from Horwath win |
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By Brent Lawson |
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Federal NDP Leader Jack Layton fired the opening rounds in the battle for Ontario before a boisterous crowd of cheering supporters who jammed the steelworkers hall last night. The party hopes to build on the provincial NDP byelection win by Andrea Horwath -- which Layton called a "stunning momentum builder" -- and take aim at the 106 seats up for grabs in the province. Layton, flanked by area NDP candidates, was asked why he chose Hamilton to kick off the Ontario campaign. "We have a good feeling in the air -- more importantly in the ballot box, the votes in the byelection. "There is a new energy in the NDP, and that new energy began right here in Hamilton," he told the crowd at the Barton Street East hall. Although the campaign has barely started, public opinion polls suggest voters in Ontario could determine if a minority government is in the cards. That in turn could potentially lead to a heightened role for the NDP. Layton has made it clear the party would relish the opportunity. Layton, switching between English and French, continued to hammer away at the Liberals on steel, a recurring theme for the NDP in Hamilton where there is concern over jobs, pensions and the ultimate fate of Stelco. "Steelworkers deserve an MP who will speak for them, not silent spectators as we have seen from the MPs here while employers try to loot the pensions of the people who have built Steeltown." Layton also said the party can create jobs to help produce a cleaner environment, offer decent child care and secure pension for seniors. "We can also make life a little more affordable by taking the GST off family essentials instead of blowing it on another corporate tax giveaway." Pressed later to explain how the party would fund its promises, Layton said a more detailed financial explanation would be released today, but added: "We will balance the books while we are doing it, because Canadians are looking for fiscal responsibility." Layton said he is opposed to balanced-budget legislation because it would handcuff a government which needs to be flexible to adapt to changing economic circumstances. Asked if there should be a "recall" for politicians who don't keep promises, Layton replied: "That's why we have elections, to recall politicians." How do the other campaigns counter the wave of publicity and energy that stems from local appearances by the opponent's party leader? In Hamilton, Liberals have an ace up their sleeve: A visit by Prime Minister Paul Martin, the date to be determined. "The Liberal leader has always made Hamilton a priority," said Craig Dowhaniuk, campaign manager for Stan Keyes in Hamilton Centre. "When Trudeau or Chretien came to town, we always had a huge rally. It does energize the troops, and excite the volunteers and supporters. It is a big boost to all area candidates." And contrary to the view of their opponents in the riding, Dowhaniuk said the campaign is enjoying good response from local residents. At the risk of tooting their own horn, Liberals in Hamilton Centre have done their own unofficial sampling of voters. Yesterday, Keyes was doing a "wave" to passing motorists at Victoria and King. "We counted the horns that honked for good and bad -- you could tell by their use of the finger, if they give you thumbs up, you know -- and it was 42-9 in Stan's favour." blawson@thespec.com 905-526-2463 |