Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece and PC Caucus Critic for Rural Affairs and Horse Racing today issued the following statement concerning the Standardbred breeders’ lawsuit filed against Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.

It is regrettable that standardbred breeders had to resort to legal action.

This didn’t have to happen. The severe challenges now facing horse racing in Ontario are the direct result of the Liberal government’s 2012 provincial budget, which cancelled SARP with no consultation and no plan for the future.

It is also the result of the NDP’s choice, for political purposes, to allow that budget to pass.

To get the industry back on track, the industry needs and deserves leadership from the government.

The Ontario PCs have called for an immediate and permanent end to the Liberals' so-called "modernization plan" that would build 29 new casinos while putting even more of the horse racing industry out of business.

We would also re-establish, but fix, a slots at racetracks program that is transparent and affordable.