Although Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak didn't actually come out and say what his party's official stance is on the Liberals' termination of the slots-at-racetracks agreement, he recently spoke about the provincial government's shocking action in regard to the horse-racing industry and conveyed that the fight is not over.
An article by niagarathisweek.com has explained that the province's newly-formed Horse Racing Transition Panel got an earful from Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium CEO Jim Thibert last week. The piece also states that the panel is scheduled to meet with representatives from all 17 of the province's racetracks.
The report states that on the same day that the panel met with FELRC reps last week, Hudak was also in town and commented on the whole situation. According to the report, Hudak stated that the Ontario Government may believe that it has disposed of the horse-racing industry and that it can drive on with its gaming modernization plan, but he, personally, doesn't feel that the fight is over.
“The government seems to think the death of the horse racing industry is 'fait accompli' (has already happened), and I don’t agree with that,” Hudak was quoted as saying.
“The government was foolish to end the slots-at-track program, which was a win-win for everybody,” he said.
(With files from niagarathisweek.com)
I have contacted the
I have contacted the Conservative Finance Critic Peter Shurman and asked him to confer with Mr. Hudak about lodging a complaint with the Integrity Commissioner for Wrong Doing on the part of Duncan and Godfrey, maybe if this happens we will receive the kind of media coverage that we really need.
No matter what transpires,
No matter what transpires, the ORC will still be the Regulatory Body for the Horse Racing Industry in Ontario and according to a report that the ORC commissioned Vel Evans of Strategic Equine Marketing in March 2008 stated the ORC is committed to ensuring the programs delivered by the ORC contribute to a sustainable Horse Racing Industry. I will be asking Sue Leslie who by the way did an excellent job on CHCH TV the other night to contact Mr. Seiling to remind him of his duties to the Horse Industry.
I spent an hour on the phone
I spent an hour on the phone with the Ombudsman's office and once a bill has passed there is little they can do at this point; however, they suggested to contact the Integrity Commissioners office where I learned that only an MPP can lodge a complaint the general public cannot. There maybe a chance that if Mr. Hudak could bring forth in the Legislature a proposal to amend or to reinstate the SAR program if this is not possible, then Mr. Jack Darling's Plan is a very good one and the OHRIA should consider presenting it to Hudak and Horwath. The ORC has been awfully quiet during this mess, surely they could offer more input to their bosses about this situation.
Hudak is lacking the numbers
Hudak is lacking the numbers to do anything significant. The NDP lack the courage. Both parties(PC and NDP) lack the resources to run a campaign. We as horsemen, have millions of dollars the ORC has, for some unknown reason, kept us from using toward purses since the reconfiguration took place. We all ask what we are supposed to do with that. I have a suggestion.
1) We ear mark an equal contribution to both the PC's and NDP, contingent upon a)the house falling before a dollar is granted and b) a framework for the slots at racetracks program that will last a minimum 99 years.
2) We take the remaining money and begin a class action lawsuit against the Liberal Party for breach of contract and breching federal anti-competitions laws.
In order to do this, we need one voice for all breeds and all segments of the horse industry.
It seems to me Mr. Hudak's
It seems to me Mr. Hudak's party voted against the budget while the Liberals supported it and the NDP abstained.Thus it was the NDP that failed to follow through. The next step can only come during an election campaign. Unless some other legal means are found this is a fait accompli for the moment. With a minority government in place, an election will be sooner than later. Every candidate in it should have a questionnaire to sign from OHRIA re his/her stance on the SAR program. That's when the rubber will really hit the road. Till then it's obvious nothing will change in the budget.
Bill Stanton, I charge you
Bill Stanton, I charge you with the task to talk to your boss (Hudak) and get him to commit. If he says he will reinstate the SAR program when the Liberals are ousted (and Conservatives win), then there is no gaming company anywhere that will try to move in and build a casino. Nobody will risk the money if Hudak will overturn the decision. That is leadership from the minority.
I have found the Conservatives are falling short and maybe Hudak is a little limp here. Bill, you are a man to take up the charge. Stick it to him and don't take no for an answer.
Georg Leber-ICR Racing
you been all "QUACKING" for
you been all "QUACKING" for the past year. and to this day, after the passing of the ontario budget, your still "QUACKING" Is the horse racing industry of ontario made up of QUACKERS?
I agree >no stance<. if Hudak
I agree >no stance<. if Hudak & Andrea went out for a couple martinis & got together they could run these guys right out of the park down to Lake Ont.
Mr. Hudak is my MPP and he is
Mr. Hudak is my MPP and he is starting to sound like Andrea, instead of stating his position positively he gives us a bunch of bafflegab which nobody can take to the bank as it*s uncashable! This morning I put this all in perspective so bear with me. As a senior with minimal dollars to donate to any cause I have sent a cheque to [ Caring for jobs and horse campaign ] as promised. I was asked by one of the major charities for a donation to their cause so I have a choice, do I support people I know or have seen i.e. horseracing industry participants or unknown people who also need help. I*m sorry but I*m biased towards some sixty thousand of my brothers and sisters. If one or more hard working tax paying citizens lose their prideful jobs to be replaced by a few low paying jobs in the bingo industry sending most of the money out of the country my answer is NO< NO
Perhaps it is time to contact
Perhaps it is time to contact the Ontario Ombudsmen to evaluate OLG business practices and conflicts of interest. Apparently, it took 17 complaints to get the ball rolling with Ornge. Seems strange that after renewing racetrack contacts another 5 years, they've unilaterally and abruptly abdicated the SAR agreement giving a one year notice? Who does this decision benefit? The SAR agreement and industry numbers seem to support this private/public contract. One of the best private/public contracts ever implemented.
He's right - the fight is not
He's right - the fight is not over. I refuse to accept anything less than the reinstatement of the slots at racetrack program. I am filing a complaint with the Ontario Ombudsman, and currently have 14 co-complainants. I am sending it off on Tuesday if anyone is interested in joining the complaint.
I agree, He still has not
I agree, He still has not stated their position. But then, the NDP did supposedly state theirs and then did some fancy foot work to get out of it. Can any government be trusted I wonder??
Mr Hudak, Stand up and take
Mr Hudak,
Stand up and take what you know is the right position. Make an official statement that if elected you will reinstate Slots-At-Racetracts as they are.
We need a Leader to rally with, and you Mr. Hudak could give a voice of optimism to all 60,000 people affected by the Radical Liberal Agenda.
This simple act of bravery on your part would make all possible casino investors think twice before investing in venues that would be abandoned when you take over as Premier.
There would also be major volunterism and financial support for the conservative party.
Regards,
Roger L. Burley
Hope he does not think the
Hope he does not think the $50 million transitional over 3 years is the solution. Mr Hudak state your position clearly so everyone will understand where you stand. Ms Horwath played the same game,we are tired of the politics being played while peoples livelihoods are at stake.We need to know where the parties official stance is and if in favour of horse racing industry then walk the walk!Your word at this stage mean absolutely nothing.
He still has not stated his
He still has not stated his position.