CORNER BROOK, N.L. — Premier Danny Williams unveiled a key plank in his party's election platform today, pledging to give families in Newfoundland and Labrador $1,000 for every baby born or adopted in the province.

The Tory leader -- on the first full day of campaigning for the Oct. 9 vote -- says the bonus would be aimed at reversing the province's dwindling birth rate.

Williams estimates the program would cost the province $4.5 million.

He is also promising to put more cops on the streets, build more long-term care facilities and maintain the province's freeze on post-secondary tuition.

The legislature was dissolved Monday, kicking off a three-week campaign that Williams is widely expected to win.

The vote is the first under the province's fixed-date legislation.

At dissolution, the Tories had 34 seats, the Liberals 11 and the NDP one. There are also two vacant seats.