"The Slots at Racetrack Program didn't cause Ontario's deficit. Far from it. In fact, Slots at Racetracks are the most successful form of gaming in Ontario, which is why it is so important for all Ontarians that we protect this revenue generation stream."
After weeks of misrepresentation of the OLG Slots at Racetracks Program, the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA) has begun to set the record straight with newly launched billboards and radio ads.
For the next four weeks, more than two-hundred billboards will share the success of the OLG Slots at Racetracks Program with the general public, by reminding Ontarians that this program has provided $1.1 billion for healthcare funding just last year. Radio ads with a similar theme will run on a number of AM radio stations that cover the GTA, Southwestern Ontario and Eastern Ontario.
"We think it is important to answer the ongoing distortion of facts being presented by the government in this public debate. Their plans for the Slots at Racetrack Program will result in 60,000 job losses and cut $1.1 billion from the government's revenue. If this is where the government wants to go, the public needs to be informed," said Sue Leslie, President of OHRIA.
OHRIA remains committed to working with the government and opposition MPPs to ensure the vitality of Ontario's horse racing and breeding industry, and wants members of the public to know what a significant impact Minister Duncan's proposed changes will have on our province.
Images of the billboards and audio of the radio ad can be downloaded from the value4money.ca website.
OHRIA is the voice of the horse racing industry in Ontario whose mandate is to further the interests of horse racing in the province by being the driving force and champion; to develop positions that are supported industry-wide; and act as the industry advocate on these positions for activities impacting the entire industry.
(OHRIA)
For Trot Insider's complete coverage regarding the fallout and uproar in response to the Ontario Liberals' Drummond Report, click here.
I agree completely Patricia.
I agree completely Patricia. While horse-people have always strived to breed, raise, feed, rub, love, train and drive better horses ... the ENTERTAINMENT ... the CHALLENGE ... the SPECTACLE ... has ALWAYS been for the betting man (and woman). Thank you for your idea Barry - the ANNUAL TAKE is an important point. (I think we sold ourselves short - settling for 10% and supplementing Government(s) with 80% of the Slot money).
Invite your friends here Barry - and have them identify themselves. Most of us don't know each other anyway. But we're ALL trying to help each OTHER. I hope you cash your next bet ... and I hope it's a BIG ONE!!! ;-)
All I can say Mr. Fitzgerald
All I can say Mr. Fitzgerald on behalf of all horsepeople in Ontario is Thank You for your support.
I had 67 people (of a
I had 67 people (of a possible 80) at my Monday night euchre league sign the petition tonight. But I do think the billboard should include the word "annually" in it someplace. Although primarily a bettor, I am behind horsepeople 100%. When a provincial government signs a 5-year deal in 2011, and reneges on it 1 year later, I have no use for such a government. I have always voted for the best candidate for my riding, but I guarantee I will never, ever vote Liberal again. They can't be trusted.
I heard the radio ad this
I heard the radio ad this afternoon on AM-680. Great job - great intonation (I wasn't 'listening' for it!!). And beautiful Standardbred Billboard!! That's my horse Randy's driving ... we got passed on the rail when Randy smiled for the outside camera! Kidding - keep laughing friends ... we can see the wire ;-)