Horwath Wants Casino Referendum

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Published: September 11, 2012 12:20 pm EDT

During Question Period at Queen's Park on Monday, September 10, Ontario New Democratic Party Leader Andrea Horwath again called on the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. and the City of Hamilton to put the brakes on any gaming modernization plans until after a referendum on the issue is conducted.

An article by The Hamilton Spectator has quoted Horwath as saying, “Talks are currently underway between the city of Hamilton and OLG officials regard a casino in Hamilton, but instead of having an open and public conversation, talks have been taking place behind closed doors."

Horwath went on to say, “That’s not how Hamiltonians like to have things done. Will this government direct OLG officials to discontinue any further meetings with city officials until a referendum has been held and the voices of the people of Hamilton have actually been heard?”

The article states that Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan responded by saying, “Nothing will proceed in an area, in a municipality, in a region where it is not welcome” --- a Ontario Liberal position which just requires potential host municipalities to decide whether or not to become a 'willing host municipality' without a referendum occurring.

(With files from The Hamilton Spectator)

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