On Tuesday, October 18, Ontario Minister of Finance Charles Sousa reiterated the Ontario Liberal Government’s support for the provincial horse racing industry during question period in the Ontario Legislature at Queen’s Park in Toronto.

Minister Sousa’s comments came after a question from Progressive Conservative MPP Randy Pettapiece.

“I think we all appreciate that we want a very sustained horse racing industry in the province of Ontario, and it’s why we have made a commitment for long-term sustainability of the horse racing industry,” said Sousa. “We have taken steps to support a stable industry by providing the appropriate funding by extending the government’s $100 million annually funding program by two years.

"The OLG will establish a future, long-term funding arrangement with the industry," said Sousa. "We have also passed legislation to integrate the operations of the Ontario Racing Commission with the OLG and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario; all of which promotes and allows the industry to benefit from a centralized marketing resource and its expertise to expose more Ontarians to the thrills of horse racing. We are taking every step necessary to provide a sustainable industry, because we are partnering with that industry in an appropriate manner, in conjunction with members of the industry.”

Pettapiece's question was, “Will the Minister ease that uncertainty and commit today to keeping the doors open at all 15 of our (Ontario’s) racetracks?”