Hudak: Gov't Shouldn't Run Gaming

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Published: December 3, 2012 11:19 am EST

While he didn't come out with a plan for Ontario horse racing today, provincial PC Leader Tim Hudak was clear in his belief that Ontario's government should not be in the business of operating business - including running the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.

“Government spends too much time and money running businesses it has no need to be in, like designing scratch and win tickets and casino marketing plans," said Hudak at a Monday morning press conference at a Rabba Fine Foods location in Toronto. "Rather than investing in the things that Ontarians value most, like world-leading health care, first-class education and new subway routes, we have billions tied up in these businesses.”

Hudak cited an example of the OLG studying the latest lottery trends in instant win scratch cards, deciding whether crossword puzzle tickets are better than instant keno.

“At a time when one million people are without a family doctor and waiting to get vital health care services, Ontarians want their government investing in MRI scans, not buying roulette wheels or slot machines.”

Hudak pointed to the inherent contradiction in the government being the regulator and also the day-to-day operator. “It is time for the government to become the responsible, respected and tough regulator not the operator trying to bully communities into accepting new casinos.”

Later this week, Tim Hudak and the Ontario PC Caucus will be releasing a new policy white paper — the sixth in a series — entitled A New Deal for the Public Sector. This discussion paper will propose reforms to focus government on the core services that matter most to taxpayers, creating a leaner public service that delivers more value for less money.

When asked about horse racing in relation to the OLG and gaming, Hudak did tell the press in attendance that he will be addressing the issues affecting the racing industry. Hudak is expected to make further announcements this week, possibly including a similar plan to privatize the province's liquor control board.

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