“I’m optimistic that we are going to get something worked out that will be viable and sustainable in the long-term. It won’t be the same, it will be somewhat smaller, but it will be viable and sustainable.”
That’s how Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ted McMeekin, sees the racing industry going forward.
“I’ve been saying for months now that only the horse racing industry can save the horse racing industry,” added McMeekin. “The good news is the racing industry has been working very hard with our panel.”
According to an article in Thursday’s Flamborough Review, McMeekin has been inundated with emails following Premier Dalton McGuinty’s resignation earlier this week. People questioned what effect the Premier’s resignation and the prorogation of the legislature will have on the future of horse racing in Ontario.
“It will have no impact,” assured McMeekin. “We don’t need legislation to transition the horse racing industry.”
.... And the liberals can
.... And the liberals can save us all from themselves if they would just call an election so we can get on with saving Ontario. I've been saying this for months. Thanks also for unilaterally deciding for the industry its size and therefore its viability without consultation. Your ministries display of expertise protecting the agricultural sector has been mystifying. Keep up the good work for your final eight months.
Hey Ted "Only Horseracing can
Hey Ted
"Only Horseracing can save Horseracing"? "Only Ted McMeekin can save Ted McMeekin's seat by supporting the Horse Racing Industry". If not, I hope the fine people of Flambourough send him packing with the rest of the Urban Liberals next election.
If a driver and/or a trainer
If a driver and/or a trainer is accused of and found guilty of "FIXING A RACE" they can and have been charged with fraud and misleading the public. Why is that any different than what Duncan, McGuinty,Godfrey and the rest of the OLG have done here to our industry. They have misled the public way worse than any "FIXED RACE" ever could. WHERE IS THE JUSTICE?????????
Lets see if we dont need
Lets see if we dont need legislation to reorganise the industry. The govt is just going to hand over the transition fund I guess they have done it before thats why parliment is porogued
The deal with the US based
The deal with the US based casinos has already been made just as the deal with Tenanbaum has been made with slots in bingo halls. That's right.... no legislation was required because everything was slipped in thru the back door via amendments of the OLG. The problem is that no consultation or regard for the horse racing industry which generates billions for the Province. McMeekin needs to step up and say no as this is nothing short of criminal. We, Ontarians are going to fill the corporate coffers of the US casinos??? Where is the logic in that? The people of Ontario should be apalled at the very thought. A full investigation is needed and ALL decisions pertaining to SAR should be put on hold pending the investigation. But that won't happen because McGuinty put the gov't on hold. Solution.... the opposition parties need to form a coalition and go to the Lt. Gov. with a request to reconvene the House and let the normal business of governing carry on. We can only hope!
Yes, we are waiting. Let's
Yes, we are waiting. Let's see what kind of recommendations the panel makes. It won't matter though if the Liberals don't want to entertain them. I agree with Bill MacKay "a terrible injustice has been laid on the Horse Industry". What they did was perfectly legal but who says it was ethical. The OLG used the Horse Industry to get their slots running successfully and then dropped them like a hot potatoe when it served them. Keep voicing your opinions about the Ontario Liberals. They haven't only hurt the Horse Industry; they have devastated the whole Ontario economy. It's time for our government to work for the people and the people need to be heard!
There has been a terrible
There has been a terrible injustice laid on the Horse Racing Industry. I think a full inquiry into the activities of the OLG's role in clearing the path and it's zeal in lobbying for US Casions should take place. By virtually crippling the Ontario Horse Racing Industry, jurisdications now will be forced to say yes to the Casinos because their tax revenue is gone by the dropping of the Slots for racing program.I still can't understand why Ontario could not have had both, I suppose the US Casinos do not want any competition.
In reply to There has been a terrible by Mackay
There certainly needs to be a
There certainly needs to be a full inquiry into recent activities of both the Government and the OLG. You, and anyone else that wants an inquiry needs to write to the Attorney General, the Ont. Ombudsman, The Lieutenant Governor and anyone else that can be instrumental in starting this process. Perhaps the senior Mr. Burgess can give us suggestions.
Why all the secrecy? How much
Why all the secrecy? How much smaller? Do we not have the right to see this plan that was presented immediately? Does Duncan have the Final say?
No. We already know
No. We already know legislation isn't required to destroy the Horse Racing industry. This Government and the OLG has managed fine without it. Its amazing that a minority government with no leader is allowed to dictate such crucial public policy to its constituents.
Will the authorities lay some
Will the authorities lay some charges already.