Federal NDP leader Jack Layton kicked off his party's election campaign in downtown Hamilton this week by denouncing big businesses, tax cuts that harm working-class families, while announcing money for transit programs, and promising not to prop up a Conservative government in the future.

Even though the federal election hasn't been called yet, Mr. Layton, accompanied by area NDP MPs Wayne Marston (Hamilton East Stoney Creek), Chris Charlton (Hamilton Mountain) and David Christopherson (Hamilton Centre), championed traditional NDP values during a news conference, such as taxing polluters, investing in municipal infrastructure and fighting for working-class families.

"Our party stands up to Stephen Harper," said Mr. Layton in Gore Park.

"Our party voted against the Conservative Party every time, the only party to do that. The Liberals supported (the Conservative party) 43 different times."

Mr. Harper is expected to meet with the Governor-General either Sept. 5 or Sept. 6.

Deflecting questions about whether the NDP will prop up a Conservative or Liberal minority government or even if the NDP can become the governing party, Mr. Layton instead zeroed in on how Canadians want a government that focuses on "the priorities of the kitchen table" rather than the priorities of the "boardroom.

"The prime minister has decided to walk away from the job," said Mr. Layton. "People feel Harper is taking the country in the wrong direction."

Mr. Layton says Canadians don't want the status quo, despite what the polls suggest.

"They are looking for something new, they are looking for change."

The latest polling results reveal the NDP's popularity hovers between 14 to 17 per cent, while the Conservatives are between 33 and 31 per cent and the Liberals are anywhere from 30 per cent to 35 per cent.

Political commentators, as well as Mr. Harper, have stated a federal election will result in another Conservative minority government.

Mr. Layton did announce that if the NDP does become the government he wants to add another one cent per litre to the five cents per litre municipalities already receive under the federal gas tax revenue sharing program to municipalities and invest it back into transit.

The NDP government negotiated with the Conservatives in 2006 to provide more gas tax money to municipalities in exchange to supporting the Conservative budget. The move resulted in Hamilton getting $17 million in transit funding.

The one additional cent per litre will mean, said Mr. Layton $23 million for Hamilton transition over four years. And under the NDP's cap and trade plan against polluters, Hamilton will receive another $52 million over four years.

"It will make life more affordable for Hamilton residents," said Mr. Layton. "There will be no increase in taxes."

Mr. Layton said only the NDP has a comprehensive plan to address climate change, while promoting environmental projects across Canada.

"(Stephen) Harper has no plan for climate change," said Mr. Layton. "He is focused on the tar sands with his friends in corporations."