On August 28, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and Ontario Equine Federation (OEF) penned a joint letter to Ontario Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Minister Ted McMeekin asking the province to immediately develop and announce an interim plan for the horse-racing industry while a long term, accountable and transparent program can be put in place.
Citing the Horse Racing Industry Transitional Panel's findings that 'Without slots revenue or a new revenue stream, the horse racing industry in Ontario will cease to exist,' the joint letter states that if the Ontario Liberal Government agrees with the panel that the industry is worth preserving in a sustainable way, then it is incumbent on the government to provide a clear signal to the horse racing industry that it is here to stay.
The contents of the letter appear below (to view an official copy of the letter, click here).
August 28, 2012
Hon. Ted McMeekin
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
77 Grenville Street, 11th Floor
Toronto, ON
M7A 1B3
Dear Minister McMeekin:
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and the Ontario Equine Federation (OEF) are very appreciative of your initiative to appoint the Horse Racing Industry Transitional Panel to develop a vision of the horse racing industry.
In our view the panel has done admirable work, objectively assessing the realities of the industry and offering important recommendations. By far, the most striking finding is:
"Without slots revenue or a new revenue stream, the horse racing industry in Ontario will cease to exist."
Minister, we do not believe the outcome was the intent of the Ontario Government when it announced the end of the slots-at-racetracks program (SARP). We hope you agree with the panel that the racing industry is an important cultural asset and a vital economic driver for Ontario and should not be lost. Prompt action is required to ensure a sustainable horse racing industry.
Experience shows that horse racing industries are easily lost and difficult to re-establish. The announcement to end the SARP has already had significant impact on the industry. Breeders have shut down or reduced breeding programs, investment has ceased and further liquidation is planned. We will soon see the impacts of those unemployed in the industry and on the estimated 13,000 racing horses that will have no future.
If you agree with the panel that the industry is worth preserving in a sustainable way then it is incumbent on the government to provide a clear signal to the horse racing industry that it is here to stay. We strongly recommend the government of Ontario immediately develop and announce an interim plan to sustain the industry while a long term, accountable and transparent program can be put in place to transition to a sustainable industry in keeping with the report of the panel.
Our organizations are prepared to assist in any way we can. We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to further discuss these issues. The horse racing industry is critical to the well being of rural Ontario and the entire equine industry. Action is needed to secure its future.
Sincerely,
Mark Wales, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Allan Ehrlick, President, Ontario Equine Federation
I agree. The political
I agree. The political pressure needs to be kept up. It is my hope that the government will quietly agree to postpone terminating the SARP as a new program is implemented. It is more important than ever that we continue to write MPPs and inform the public about the economic benefits of the industry.
This an opportunity for the
This an opportunity for the Ont Liberals to save face. The Horse Industry is worth preserving.