"Maybe we're being looked upon as competition that has to be eliminated for MGM or Caesar's to come in and run the type of businesses that they run."
Ontario Harness Horse Association Director David Gibson and multiple owners and breeders offer an indepth perspective at how the cancellation of the OLG Slots At Racetracks Program is impacting the horse racing industry in a three-part series by Northumberland News' John Campbell. The series, published in separate parts throughout the month of December, concludes by focusing on whether the controversial push for more casinos in the province has played a role in the Ontario Government's decision to cancel the program.
Northumberland-Quinte West Progressive Conservative MPP Rob Milligan was quoted as saying that the PCs want to meet with industry stakeholders to "figure out the best route that we can move forward together...and what's best for the taxpayers." He also said "there has to be some efficiencies found in the industry."
Milligan said returning to the legislative assembly would mean the issue could be debated "but obviously that's not going to happen until after the leadership convention at the end of January."
Peterborough Liberal MPP Jeff Leal indicated that his party has entered into "crucial negotiations to make sure that there is certainty as the industry moves forward."
To read the Northumberland News three-part series, click on the following links: Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3