First let me say a heartfelt thank you to the many volunteers and supporters who worked so hard to make our campaign a success. My victory is due in large part to your dedication and hard work. Every phone call you placed, every letter you mailed, every donation made, every voter you convinced was crucial in putting us over the top. You are a great team and I couldn’t have done it without you.

I also want to express my thanks to the thousands of people I met over the course of my campaign, regardless of whether you supported me or not. The fact that you took the time to share with me your hopes and fears for our party and our province was an energizing and humbling experience. I want you to know that I heard you and I will bring your concerns into the councils of our party and the Legislature of our province.

the leadership of our party is really only the first step in a longer race. I encourage all New Democrats, regardless which candidate you supported, to take some time now to recharge your batteries and reinvigorate your spirit. But I will be calling on you shortly to take your part in the work we have ahead of us.

In a little over two years Ontarians will return to the polls to pass judgment on the record of the McGuinty Liberals. Our job is to ensure that Ontarians across this province hear our message of hope and renewal. There is much to do, and the next election will be here sooner than you would think, but with your help we will execute a campaign that will capture the imagination of Ontarians and bring fairness and progressive change to our province.

Again, thank you, and I look forward to meeting and working with all of you again in my new role as your Leader.

Across our province, people are worried about the tough times ahead. They see good jobs disappearing, the cost of a good education climbing, plans for retirement in financial risk and a government that doesn't seem to care.

Andrea Horwath is running to lead Ontario's New Democrats because ordinary Ontarians need a leader who recognizes their challenges and sees the solutions we can all build together.

It's time for New Democrats to lead the fight for good jobs, for accessible education, for quality childcare, for an environmental agenda that makes affordable, sustainable solutions available to everyone. A woman, a mother, a community organizer and an activist, Andrea understands working people because that's where she's from.

It's time for New Democrats to grow and move forward.

It's time for Andrea Horwath.