On Monday, May 13, Ontario New Democratic Party MPP Taras Natyshak took aim at the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.'s gaming modernization plan, and called on Kathleen Wynne's reigning Ontario Liberals to halt the process. “Will this government admit that its privatization plan is a complete disaster, and end this sorry spectacle once and for all?” Natyshak asked.

Natyshak's sharp words came hours after a report by The Globe and Mail reitterated that the Ontario horse-racing industry would be integrated into the OLG's modernization plans. In the article, The Globe also reported that OLG Chair Paul Godfrey could be replaced in the near future.

An official OMAFRA release regarding horse racing and gaming modernization was issued Monday afternoon.

In his release, Natyshak went on to say, “Rural Ontario was dealt a massive blow with the decision to cancel the slots-at-racetracks program. Thousands of jobs have been lost in rural Ontario, and thousands more will be lost in the near future. As racetracks across Ontario close down, it’s clear the OLG privatization plan is in shambles.”

Natyshak's release appears below.

NDP: OLG Privatization Plans ‘In Shambles’

Essex MPP Taras Natyshak says the OLG restructuring currently underway is a “complete disaster,” and called on the Liberal government to halt the process.

“Rural Ontario was dealt a massive blow with the decision to cancel the Slots at Racetracks Program. Thousands of jobs have been lost in rural Ontario, and thousands more will be lost in the near future,” said Natyshak. “As race tracks across Ontario close down, it’s clear the OLG privatization plan is in shambles.”

In addition to the harm done to the horse racing industry, Natyshak highlighted the ongoing uncertainty about the casino funding formula being pitched to Toronto, and other potential host cities.

“The OLG invited gambling operations to bid on a downtown casino and tried to entice Toronto city council members with a sweetheart deal on a hosting formula,” said Natyshak. “One day Toronto is getting a special deal to host a downtown casino, the next day it isn’t.”

Natyshak called on the government to stop the restructuring immediately.

“Will this government admit that its privatization plan is a complete disaster, and end this sorry spectacle once and for all?” asked Natyshak.