On Wednesday, February 29, after having assembled at Rideau Carleton, over 350 horse racing supporters boarded buses or followed behind in vehicles and proceeded to Premier Dalton McGuinty’s riding office in Ottawa south
.
Everyone was gathered to show their concern around the proposed removal of the OLG Slots at Racetracks program. They listened to numerous speeches of support, one of which was from Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) Vice President Deborah Pretty-Straathof, who told the crowd that her members were well aware of the consequences, for farmers and rural Ontarians, of ending this highly successful partnership.
Ottawa councillors Eli El-Chantiry and Doug Thompson spoke in support of the program and what it has meant for the city of Ottawa.
Track veterinarian Dr. Lynn Blackburn, who was accompanied by many other local veterinarians and some of their staff, spoke eloquently about the impact that this might have on their businesses and families.
National Capital Region Harness Horse Association (NCRHHA) chairman Gordon McDonald spoke of the inconvenient truth that government doesn't seem to want to talk about and that is the $1.1 billion in revenues that they reap from this partnership.
A letter outlining the NCRHHA's concerns as well as a petition was handed to John Fraser, Executive Assistant Office of Dalton McGuinty, who promised to deliver them to the Premier. As the crowd dispersed Fraser invited NCRHHA directors Gordon McDonald, John MacMillan, and Ed McHale into his office to further discuss the horsemen's concerns.
The NCRHHA wishes to thank all of those who took time out of their busy day to participate in today’s rally.
(With files from NCRHHA)
After having commented
After having commented yesterday, I received quite a few personal e-mails.
One thing that needs some clarification is in regards to the comment about the members of the board. I do not doubt their intentions or convictions, (as I know some of them well)only whether or not they have the manpower to deal with the situation.
Hope that clears up that misunderstanding.
Regards,
Dr. Bernd Kretzschmar
London Equine Hospital
Well said Carlo, I believe
Well said Carlo,
I believe it is now time to build on the recent visibility with an industry ad campaign. The message needs to be simplified and direct. I suggest:
Dalton, cut your spending not our jobs!
Did you know that the Gov of
Did you know that the Gov of Ontario spent 115 billion dollars during the last fiscal year up 20 billion from the year before . During this time the racetracks share fell 6 million or 2.3 percent. The horsemens share of 164 million is less then one tenth of one percent of the total money spent in Ontario. THE PEOPLE NEED THE TRUTH !
Thanks guys. Great job. We
Thanks guys. Great job. We have to keep pushing on and fighting though. We can't give up.
well sadly the Premier was
well sadly the Premier was elsewhere and not by accident!!
Is Dalton McGuinty trying to
Is Dalton McGuinty trying to use the Horse Racing Industry as a reason for his Government to fall? It would appear that is what he is trying to do when you listen to the crazy radio ads he came out with this week. Those ads however are paid for by taxpayers aren't they?
Insane.
Almost forgot What about the
Almost forgot
What about the threat of class action lawsuits?
People that purchased horses with the intend to generate income.
Breeders that spent money on mares and stud fees.
Tracks that spend money.
People that purchased farms and equipment.
Veterinarians as me that built hospitals and purchased equipment;
and the list goes on and on and on.
Regards,
Dr. Bernd Kretzschmar
London Equine Hospital
OK OHRIA Realistically, 15
OK OHRIA
Realistically, 15 days left to sway public opinion as the budget goes to print days before it will be announced.
I suggest committing a amount of money from all in the horse racing industry stakeholders (including veterinarians)to fund a media Blitz campaign starting in the next few days with TV, Radio and full page Newspaper adds.
Big PR response is taking too long!!!
Regards,
Dr. Bernd Kretzschmar
London Equine Hospital