On Tuesday (October 3), a divisional court rejected a key appeal from the Ontario Government and Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. in regard to an ongoing legal battle with a group of Standardbred breeders in the province.

According to an article by the Toronto Star, the anticipated ruling affirms that a total of 11 individuals – including former Premier Dalton McGuinty and his Minister of Finance, Dwight Duncan – must testify in civil claim proceedings pertaining to the cancellation of the slots-at-racetracks program in the province.

When given the opportunity to comment on the ruling, the Ministry of the Attorney General and the OLG declined. The two entities stated that it would be improper to comment on the situation, seeing as though the matter is still before the courts.

The breeders’ lawyer, Jonathan Lisus, did take the opportunity to comment on the ruling. He stated that the ruling is an important step in the process of understanding how the decision to scrap the slots-at-racetracks program was reached.

Three individuals from the group of breeders have passed away since the civil suit was launched. Lisus has told the Toronto Star that he has asked the province and the OLG to consent to having all witness examinations recorded. The recordings would ensure that there is a good record of the evidence for both the court and the public, according to Lisus.

(With files from the Toronto Star)