The Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association expressed in a news release on Thursday afternoon that it is applauding NDP MPP Taras Natyshak for taking a strong stand on behalf of his party to express support for the horse racing industry.
"We are delighted that Ontario's NDP is expressing support for continuing the Slots at Racetracks Program through 2014, allowing for a more manageable transition for the horse racing industry," said Sue Leslie, president of OHRIA.
Natyshak expressed his party's support for preserving the 55,000 Ontario jobs supported by the horse racing and breeding industry, as well as for ensuring that local referendums occur before the government goes forward with its planned gaming expansion.
"It is our hope to continue to work with all parties to develop a solution that is best for both the Province of Ontario and the horse racing and breeding industry," said Leslie. "Until this year, the government and industry enjoyed a successful partnership with historic returns on investment for the government. Ontarians can't afford the massive job losses, which ending the Slots at Racetracks Program is expected to cause, nor the social impacts of the government's current gaming modernization strategy."
(With files from OHRIA)
On behalf of the SBOA, we are
On behalf of the SBOA, we are pleased to read the press release issued by NDP MPP Taras Natyshak confirming the parties position continued support of the horse racing industry, recognizing its importance to the province of Ontario in terms of jobs, economic spinoff and generation of tax revenue. Government is put in place for the people and by the people to take a balanced and responsible approach to arriving at solutions. The agricultural significance of the horse racing industry, Ontario jobs, economic spinoff, and tax revenue generation should NOT be sacrificed to advance the profitability of American casino owners or for any other reason. The hardworking people of this province deserve to have government representatives that make decisions that balance the needs of all citizens across this province. Keeping in mind, many people in the racing industry are located in rural Ontario where job opportunities are scarce or non existent. The decisions being made regarding the horse racing industry have a tremendous impact on the economic development of many small communities and the businesses that provide services and products (directly or indirectly). We are pleased to see that many MPPs understand what a vital role the horse racing industry plays to the province of Ontario and to rural communities and are standing up, showing leadership (within their party and beyond) and insisting that we ensure the long term success of this business. The political wave of support appears to be growing and it's because of those MPPs that have the courage to stand up and do what's right. We need our political parties to work together to insist that we arrive at this end. Ultimately all citizens of this province will pay the price for poor decision making. Let's make sure good, balanced, responsible decisions are made for the long term health of the horse racing industry and for this province.
Cheers to Sue Leslie of OHRIA
Cheers to Sue Leslie of OHRIA for applauding the strong and unanimous support that racing is now receiving from both the Progressive Conservative and New Democrat parties.
All three organizations are now demanding and insisting upon an extension of the Slots At Racetracks program through at least 2013. This is in order that Toronto developers and American casino owners will not succeed in their efforts to subvert the Government of Ontario.
If the horsemen and if the racetracks and if the legitimate political parties all finally cooperate and work together we will be able to defeat the heavy handed efforts of Paul Godfrey and Rod Phillips.
After all, the OLG never sought nor received a mandate from Ontario voters to destroy racing in Ontario.