On Friday, February 17, the Central Ontario Standardbred Association issued a press release in response to the Drummond Report's recommendations for the Ontario racing industry
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The contents of the COSA release appears below.
To all COSA Members:
Back in 1998, racing gave up its right to the exclusivity of legalized wagering in the province in order to participate in the revenue from slots machines installed at racetracks. As a result, purses soared, capital investments catapulted and horsepeople have been able to afford consumer purchases that have spurred their local economy.
Our share of the slots money has helped create a harness racing Mecca that is envied all over North America. It has led our breeders to produce some of the finest standardbreds on the continent and to feel confident in both their horse and capital investments.
All this will be in jeopardy if the Liberal government takes the path suggested by the Drummond Report --- installing slots in other locations, and either slashing or eliminating the slots money we’ve come to depend on.
Also, if slot money were to be eliminated what would happen to the thousands of race horses in our province?
Since Finance Ministers Duncan’s announcement on Monday, February 13, 2012, your industry organizations have been working around the clock to deal with this issue both professionally and politically. Already, the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association, of which COSA is a member, has hired a publicist who is hard at work getting our story out. You’ll see the effects of those efforts shortly.
But organizations can only do so much. We have to depend on you as horsepeople to contact your local politicians. They need to hear your individual stories --- how this action will affect you, your family, your employees and your suppliers. Please have this conversation with them now. By contacting your local MPP you could help educate them on the importance of this issue.
Here’s a list of local MPPs and their contact info.
Don’t forget elected representatives in your local municipalities. Many communities have come to rely on slots revenue for maintaining infrastructure and new community initiatives.
The Liberal government and the opposition parties need to know just how many of us will be affected by their proposed changes. You can find statistical ammunition about the economic impact of racing here.
Decisions are being made this minute on the contents of the Ontario budget due out in late March.
The time to have an impact on the future of Ontario harness racing is NOW!
Your individual voice has never been so important.
--Bill O’Donnell
COSA President