The Canadian Farm Builders' Association supports the continued business partnership arrangements between the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission (OLG) and the horse racing industry in Ontario
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Recent comments made by Dwight Duncan, Ontario Minister of Finance, have suggested that the Liberal government would review the partnership known as the Slots at Racetracks Initiative.
His comments reflect suggestions in the Drummond Report that the McGuinty government, "Review and rationalize the current provincial financial support provided to the horse racing industry so that the industry is more appropriately sustained by the wagering revenues it generates rather than through subsidies or their preferential treatments."
The economic report further recommends that the province, "re-evaluate, on a value-for-money basis, the practice of providing a portion of net slot revenues to the horse racing and breeding industry and municipalities in order to substantially reduce and better target that support."
The CFBA and its members believe it is vitally important that the immense benefits of the present partnership with the horse racing industry continue.
"This is not a subsidy, grant or gift to the horse industry. This is a productive, revenue generating, program that is actually bringing in revenues, at an increasing rate, for all the parties involved," said Gary Van Bolderen, President of the Canadian Farm Builders' Association. “Do not fix what is not broken."
He points out that direct and indirect investment stimulates local economies with demand for products and services in rural Ontario provided by veterinarians, farriers, hay and grain suppliers, transportation workers and harness and saddle makers, as well as those of us who build the barns and farm infrastructure, to name just a few who depend directly on the horse industry for their livelihood.
"Everyone benefits from the present agreement," said Van Bolderen. "There is no reason to review or change the present program. Local communities have increased revenues, the provincial and federal coffers have more revenue, and the employment of workers in the horse racing industry provides 60,000 good jobs. The horse racing industry is critical to the economic stability of rural Ontario."
The CFBA is strongly opposed to the Liberal government tampering with or destroying the successful agreement between the OLG and the horse racing industry in Ontario.
"Please voice your concerns to your MPP or Finance Minister Dwight Duncan," asks Van Bolderen. "Let them know what the horse industry in Ontario means to you."
(CFBA)