TORONTO — Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak stressed his softer side Tuesday with a pledge to help people with disabilities and disadvantages realize their potential in the workforce.

At a campaign stop in Toronto, Hudak said his plan would deliver jobs for those who currently struggle to find work.

“Who’s closest to my heart? Those who are falling through the cracks today, those with disabilities, the disadvantaged, young people graduating from school with a lot of energy and hope but no job. That’s who I’m going to fight for every day,” Hudak said.

Hudak noted that 20 unions, many of them representing public sector workers, have joined with his political challengers in a barrage of negative messages about him and his party in the lead up to the June 12 vote.

His opponents would have voters believe that the sky would fall if the PCs gain government, he said.

“I’m going to set the record straight. The sun is still going to shine. Cows will still give milk. The sky’s still going to be blue,” he said.

The PCs have said they will not cut teachers or educational assistants who work with children with special needs, or social workers who help people with disabilities overcome their difficulties.

David Lepofsky, chair of the Alliance of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, said the organization analyzed the commitments of the three major political parties.

Hudak, he said, has refused a request to protect regulations that ensure accessible workplaces for Ontarians with disabilities.

“We aren’t happy with any of the leaders,” he said. “With that, we have to say that Tim Hudak’s position on disability-accessibility is by far the weakest.

Hudak has said this issue is “personal” for him as one of his two daughters has developmental needs.