The proposed cuts to horse racing in Ontario have ignited a harsh backlash from not just the racing industry, but from members of provincial parliament as well
.
In Thursday's London Free Press, MPPs representing the ridings of Hiawatha Horse Park, The Raceway at Western Fair and Dresden Raceway will not sit idly by without taking up the fight to preserve the slots-at-racetracks partnership.
MPP Teresa Armstrong, the New Democrat for London-Fanshawe, told the Free Press that she opposes the recommendation, noting that slots-at-racetracks deal is a partnership with racing and the government and an estimated 7,000 jobs rely on harness racing in the London area.
"Wiping out an industry should never be taken lightly," Armstrong said. "With over 60,000 jobs on the line (provincially), the London community cannot afford any more unemployment with our unemployment rate hovering just below 10%. The McGuinty Liberals need to consult with the industry before they start considering wiping it out."
Sarnia's Conservative MPP Bob Bailey told the Free Press he and the Tories "stand behind the racing industry 100%" noting the importance of racing across Southwestern Ontario for the jobs it provides in addition to its economic impact.
"I hope when the government takes a look at this they'll think we've lost enough jobs in this province,'' Bailey said, "and about the impact on those small towns and economies and they'll take a look at it and come to some accommodation."
MPP Monte McNaughton, the Conservative for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex and home to Dresden Raceway, said he's "going to fight like hell," against these proposed changes.
Standardbred Canada encourages the racing industry to post comments supporting these MPPs on the Free Press website. The link to the article appears below.
I have written my MPP, he is
I have written my MPP, he is the minister of energy, whom I met personally last Summer, and the Minister of Finance. I have had no response from either of these Liberals.
Fortunately it is a minority government and the presure from the other parties carries more weight. Everyone needs to remind them of their fragile Fiefdom.
If we could get some
If we could get some Liberals to put their shoulder to the wheel along with each MPP listed in this posting by SC, this problem could be put to bed once and for all.
I gave this a lot of thought last night and it is my sincere belief that the Liberals do not truly understand the details that were signed off on re the slot machines going into each track.I for one, am giving the Liberals the chance to study the agreement with both sides at a bargaining table.
Who's perfect? Me? not a chance.
Are the Liberals perfect? No.MPP members from other parties are behind the Horsemen. I think the only way is further dialogue (face to face) in order to solve this problem.
If a mistake was made by the Liberals, I for one would welcome a letter advising that no hard feelings are directed to the Liberals. This problem may be an honest mistake; a mistake the Liberals would like to put behind them to the benefit of all concerned.
Already sent my letter with
Already sent my letter with concerns to Mr. McNaughton. I suggest everyone involved in this industry to do the same and send letters or e-mails to their representatives. The liberals go through with this ridiculous plan you can say goodbye to this industry forever. ACT NOW!!!