A solid night of stakes racing this past Saturday evening truly overshadowed Senator Bob Runciman's press conference at Georgian Downs, where he spoke about the utter decimation Ontario horse racing is facing at the hands of the province's minority Liberal government. With tape recorders rolling, the former Ontario MPP had a lot to get off his chest.
Speaking to members of the media, Senator Runciman, a veteran politician, also said that he has been very disappointed with what he has seen from the provincial horse-racing industry since the Ontario Liberal Party announced that it was willing to put in upwards of 60,000 people out of work.
"I want to put this on the record," Sen. Runciman stated. "I am critical of the industry. I don't think they've done enough, and what they have done has not been effective."
It is no secret that Sen. Runciman has been keeping tabs on what has been going on in the Ontario horse-racing industry the past few months. He has seen the move for what it is: an inexplicable decision which will see tens of thousands forced out of work, billions of dollars in direct government revenue threatened, and the spurning of foreign investment in Ontario.
After having publicly stated that he was on the side of the Ontario horse-racing industry, Sen. Runciman explained that he was shocked that the industry has not consulted with himself or veteran politicians that understand the game that the Ontario Liberal Party is playing.
"They (the Ontario Horse-racing industry) should be talking to some folks that have been around politics for a while, who have some understanding of messaging and impact on citizenry, and perhaps not some of these very expensive PR firms."
Sen. Runciman said that he and Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop would "give them (the Ontario horse-racing industry) advice for a cup of coffee."
The Senator continued, adding, "A lot of people who care about the future of this industry are willing to help in any way we can, but to date we haven't been asked. I tend to want to play hardball on some of these things, and that is another message that we should be talking about."
As Trot Insider reported on Saturday after the media conference, former Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association Executive Director Hector Clouthier --- who was a close associate of Liberal Prime Minister Jean Chretien during a significant portion of his political career --- stated that the Ontario horse-racing industry hasn't done a good job in responding to the Ontario Liberals.
Clouthier stated, "We in the industry haven't done a good job. I don't think the majority of Ontario residents understand the gravity of the situation. We've got to get out there and be more proactive and make the public aware of what is happening."
He also explained that he knows Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan personally, and that he "figured quiet diplomacy would work, but I hit a brick wall."
Sen. Runciman brought cold-hard facts back to the whole discussion, stating, "I think we have to talk about the impact this has on jobs; the impact it means in terms of the provincial treasury; the spinoff benefits, $2.3 billion, and the fact that this has been terrific for the Province of Ontario.
"We don't talk about the tourism element of this as well. There are a lot of U.S. horseman coming in here as well. There is a lot of money being spent from the U.S. as well that is going to be lost.
"If you look at the commercial casinos they are all losing money. It's hard to understand the government's decision in this. I think it was 'seat of the pants.' It was ill-thought out. As I said, there was no study undertaken."
Let’s buy Mr. Runciman his
Let’s buy Mr. Runciman his cup of coffee:
I have been married for over 50 years and taught school for over 30 years. With this experience, I’ve learned to pick my fights; the ones you can’t win, well, you try other approaches.
In this fight (for our lives) we (horsemen) have to know our enemies and our friends (fair-weather and otherwise). Enemy number one is Paul Godfrey, number two is D. Duncan and three is “our” Premier.
Let’s deal with Godfrey first. He is a man with a big ego, big ideas; i.e, Skydome (cost the tax payers hundreds of millions) and his promise to bring the NFL to Toronto. He is long on promises and short on results. He stands to reap enormous personal profits from the “modernization of gambling”. One day he will be sitting on the board and possibly be a vice president of one of the colossal American Casino companies (along with D. Duncan and maybe “our’ Premier). He is street smart and politically savvy.
Enemy number two; D. Duncan. He is the finance minister and has been saddled with an impossible task of paying for the exorbitant political promises of his boss. Along comes Godfrey with his magical wand. Does it sound too good to be true; of course. Does Minister Duncan ask any questions; have there been any studies to show the cost benefits; any studies to show the impact that it will have on Ontario’s second largest agricultural industry? Did he ask who these people actually are; or did he just assume that if you were involved in horse racing that you were automatically a throw away? This man has been bewitched by Paul Godfrey.
Enemy number three is “our” Premier. His main job is to keep his reputation as the “Teflon” Premier. After the billion dollars lost in the e-health fiasco and the hundreds of millions lost in the Ornge scandal and the one hundred and ninety million wasted moving a natural gas generating plant to save four liberal seats, the man has to start being accountable for the actions (scams and incompetence) perpetrated on his watch.
I won’t even mention the Minister of Agriculture, because he is just a puppet, enhancing his pension.
Now who are our (horse people) friends?
The race tracks? Remember the acrimony and the strikes not so long ago? Politics and war make for strange bedfellows and we have few alternatives. They have money and political pull. We can’t be telling them what side of the bed we want to sleep on. In other words, don’t pick a fight with the tracks or we will be looking in from the outside--period!
The Conservatives and Tim Hudak? I am sure Mr. Hudak would like to say more in our support, but his political hands are tied because the liberals will spin any- thing he says to support horse racing as anti-education and anti-health care.
Bob Runciman? He sounds very genuine and sympathetic to the horsemen. What have we to lose by asking him for advice and leadership? Let’s buy him a cup of coffee and explore his ideas before we waive the white flag. Remember, time is not on our side, the clock is ticking and it could very well be the Titanic heading for an iceberg.
Sincerely,
Edward (Ted) Wilson
P.S.I would be remiss if I did not thank Sue for all the hard work and dedication she has shown. It just seems so sad to be throwing in the towel; but that may be the right thing to do, if your nose is all bloody and your staring a knock-out in the face. It would appear that we have been reduced to begging for this hand out which will be targeted as that dreaded word ”subsidy” This is how the fiberals are trying to frame the argument now. We, if at all possible should avoid this trap.
Senator Runciman is obviously
Senator Runciman is obviously well versed in the issues and has the political experience and know-how that we so desperately need. He has been critical of the industry's actions to date which I would assume includes the latest OHRIA proposal. I don't think Mr.Runciman, Mr. Mills or Mr. James would be willing to throw in the towel just yet as the OHRIA proposal appears to do. We need these individuals to help guide our industry leaders through this political Liberal quagmire. Time to play hard ball Mr. Runciman's way. All you have to do is ask him how to play the game!!!
OHRIA needs to come out with
OHRIA needs to come out with a statement as to why they have not accepted Senator Runciman's invitation. It would seem to me that the likes of Senator Runciman, Hec Clouthier, Dennis Mills and Ed James have enough power and intellect and knowledge of the industry to cause the OLG (aka Liberal Govt) to 'blink'.
The general public have no
The general public have no concept of what is currently happening to Ontario's racing industry. In fact a large (and unfortunately) increasing segment of the population doesn't know the industry exists. Extreme action is needed to get attention. Remember when the Sommalians stopped the Gardiner Expressway to draw attention to their cause by walking there en masse? Two hundred horses being walked on a major thoroughfare every day during rush hour would certainly get attention. Do this every day for a month and the issues will get out there to the general public. The way things seem at the moment, very few people outside the industry have any idea of the disaster that is unfolding.
It's about time we played
It's about time we played hardball. Pussyfooting around with intelectual arguements don't mean a thing to politicians. It's time we realize that the Liberal Government is the enemy and react as such. Take out Election type ads (think Harper) it works, and continue the assault using Senators, ex politicians, the CAW and anyone else who will lend their support. This is WAR not make nice. If not kiss racing in Ontario good bye.
Many of us in the industry
Many of us in the industry are very disappointed in OHRIA's performance so far and this latest report that we have all been waiting to read is just more of the same. We have been sold down the river, so to speak. The only ones who might survive are the big owners and trainers. Even our top breeding farms are already experiencing the fallout. I don't see this report from OHRIA doing any of us much good. The government has won another round. We desperately need the experience of people like Dennis Mills and Senator Runciman. Why isn't our "leader" asking for their input?
ok why in gods name wasnt
ok why in gods name wasnt this man asked to be on the proposal panel for the OHRIA... a knowledgeable person of the horse racing industry, and a politician to boot, I am sure he knows the workins of the government...It is baffling that he hasnt been asked by any horse racing association for his help... OHRIA, if you feel you are the voice then do not leave any stone unturned...
Senator Runciman I am asking
Senator Runciman I am asking you now to please help us. I know that many of us, including me , are at their wits end . We have spoken up many times ,at meetings emails etc. and we realize that we aren't doing enough to get the publics attention .We should be out there stopping traffic into the racetracks and at the very least handing them information or maybe denying them entrance to the slots.Please OHHA and OHRIA take the good Senator up on his offer or the best that we can hope for is OHRIAs plan for the future of the Ontario Horse Racing and Breeding Industry.I don't think that we as an Industry have a hope in hell of convincing the present government of subsidizing us in the amount of 210 million dollars.
Senator Runciman and Mr.
Senator Runciman and Mr. Clouthier, thank you for your interest,concern and participation. As an individual involved in the harness racing industry, I beg you to please continue your quest on our behalf. Apparently the associations who are supposed to represent the horse people of this province are not paying attention to their members. We are not happy with the approach that is being taken, we are not willing to accept "transitional funding", we are not happy with the lack of results, and we want to continue to participate in an industry that is beneficial to every citizen of this province. We accept that changes need to be made, but do not accept that our industry must be decimated to accomplish those changes. We are unwilling to accept anything less than the reinstatement of the slots at racetrack program. I know these are the feelings of the vast majority of horse people.
This is a right on
This is a right on message.
Why have'nt Messr's Runciman,Clouthier,Mills and James been called upon for their expertise and input into this situation? With their background and experience in government and business thinking,why not use it when they are more than willing to participate? If you are in trouble with a manufacturing company it wouldn't be real smart to bring in a barber to advise you how to restructure it ! ( no offence to the barber )
TO THE INDUSTRY LEADERS :...take the invitation, use them, they are willing/able and capable !
Mr Runciman and Mr Clouthier have the political background and insider info that is needed to ferret out the undesirable effects we are being subjected to.
With over 50 years in the horse business I found there was hardly a day went bye that I didn't come across someone with an idea that would help solve a problem . It's called willing to accept experience !
The lliberal Senator, Mrs
The lliberal Senator, Mrs Céline Hervieux-Payette, once sent me a letter confirming that the video pokers would kill the Québec industry and that every should be done to save and promote the offtrack betting like the Europeans.
Mister Senato should talk to The Senatrice Céline Hervieux-Payette, a woman with experience in the stadardbred horse business.
Go to www.pmu.com read in english and compare. You will understand things that some canadians do not want you to learn.