As the Ontario Liberal government continues to underestimate the number of lives that will be affected by its decision to cancel the Slots-At-Racetracks program, one 13-year-old boy has spoken out in an attempt to the provide a little insight on the situation to some of his elders.
According to an article in the Seaforth Huron Expositor, Dean Bell, the 13-year-old son of Hensall, Ont. hobby horseman Scott Bell, recently penned a letter to Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty protesting the cancellation of the Slots program. In the simplest terms, he spells out the significant economic benefits the program has produced.
“When anyone gambles or bets, a large portion of money goes to the Ontario government. With this industry making such a large amount of money and benefiting rural Ontario, it seems irrational to make the choice to stop it," wrote Bell. “Many people travel both short and long distances to visit these racetracks, to bet and watch these amazing creatures race. The increase in population from tourism benefits all the towns and cities with racetracks in them. By ending the racing program, not only are you losing thousands of jobs, you’re damaging the economy of the towns that need the tourist support provided by the racetracks."
The Grade 7 student, who helps at his father's farm which stables other local horses, also expressed his concern for the 60,000 people employed within the horse racing industry and spin off businesses.
“All of the feed and equipment companies will be affected because fewer people will own horses. With no purse money to win, nobody will have the money to raise them,” he wrote. “Since many workers don’t have a post-secondary education they will probably be left poor and maybe even on the street. How would you feel if you lost your job because your voice wasn’t heard or even considered? Ontario already has a low employment rate; doing this will drastically increase it."
Bell's letter was read at the Huron County council meeting on June 20 by Councillor George Robertson (South Huron). He has not yet received a response from McGuinty's office.
(With files from the Seaforth Huron Expositor)
I am just 14 Years old and I
I am just 14 Years old and I got a reply from McGuinty, it wasn't to my satisfaction but he replied and i know if he is any kind of man he will reply to Dean as well. maybe he will begin to wake up and realize that both young and old are trying to save this fantastic sport.
If anyone thinks that the
If anyone thinks that the Conservatives are going to reverse course when or if they get elected are sadly mistaken.
The Conservatives would be doing the same thing if they were in power. Its their job as opposition to disagree with the Liberals, but make no mistake the Conservatives will not be the saviours of racing by returning slot revenue to the industry the way it is now.
Racing needs to save itself, do not rely on a particular political party to do it.
Dean, now you need to get on
Dean, now you need to get on the social media and get all your friends to email Mr McGuinty,Hudak and Mrs Horwath and ask them to stop this destruction of horse racing or it will be well remembered when you turn 18 and vote. The youth of this country is very in-tune to social media now put it to work and tell them where the votes of the future will be if they don't stop. Youth could be sending the strongest message of all to Government; now is the time to do it Dean. Hopefully every youth with ties to this industry will do so. Good for you and good luck.
Chuck Ibey
McGuinty...."smarter than a
McGuinty...."smarter than a thirteen year old".... do you think ????
Do not underestimate the
Do not underestimate the people of Ontario. I predict we are witnessing the demise of the Provincial Liberal Party. Everyone knows the damage these incompetents have done. The next election will tell the story. Every where I go in Madoc complete strangers who know I race a horse approach me and tell their story, and their troubles in McGiunty's Ontario. The Liberals are finished. Bruce T. Winning
Well Done young man.......
Well Done young man....... While I am a long way from 13 or from 39. The letter I wrote to the Toronto Sun on the same topic is published today the 5th.
It is on page 16 at the bottom. I believe it is largely correct and hopefully a few thousand will read it!!. My small contibution to this situation. Dave.
Perhaps Mr Mcguinty will
Perhaps Mr Mcguinty will start to realize that this is a Liberal vote lost when this young man reaches 18. I'm sure there are also a lot of other youths connected to this business that will reject the Liberals for many elections to come as these things are not forgotten and payback is a bitch Mr. McGuinty. Chuck Ibey
The liberal government
The liberal government clearly has a hidden agenda/deal with the olg. I believe they would have to be ousted from office in order for things to be set right.
well Mr. Brown. atleast the
well Mr. Brown. atleast the kid is trying. to be honest with you i don't think this industry in Ontario has done enough, petitions and letters to politicans are all i've seen our industry groups ask people to do. we've had a few demonstrations but they have been weak to say the least. i'm sure many saw the university students protests in Quebec, they where well planned and made there way into the everyday news, people couldn't help but take notice. there hasn't been even the slightest hint that the Liberal government is going to waiver from there stance to eliminate the slots-at-racetracks program. maybe we could get your Governor to sit down with our Premier and explain how important the horse racing industry and this highly successful program is to the overall economy and the governments bank account.
Way to go Dean..... This
Way to go Dean..... This simply proves that a 13 yr.old Grade 7 student has more mentality than those "educated" Liberal politicians at Queen's Park in Toronto. Congrats to Dean.
Does anybody really expect
Does anybody really expect McGuinty to respond to a 13-year-old who undoubtedly has more sense than he has?