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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I guess its time for those in
I guess its time for those in the horse racing industry in Ontario, to take up commercial ads on TV and Radio, and the print media, instead of just talking and talking etc. People will then become aware of the SAR program. You must advertise. It is the only way your message will get across to all, people of Ontario.
A sad reality is that the
A sad reality is that the public does not know about the SAR. It's the same as I don't know anything about cars or trucks. Two weeks after I was driving my new truck, I had to phone the GM dealership to find out if it was 2 or 4 wheel drive.
So, yes the public should be hollering for a referendum but some have no interest in this problem. Maybe they will, when the taxes go up on hay and feed.
Why only Hamilton Andrea?
Why only Hamilton Andrea? Should not all citizens of Ontario have the right to know what is going on behind closed doors and decide if the OLG's plans and potential partners are right for their municipality?