In the wake of Wednesday's Drummond Report, Standardbred Canada provides the following progress report to its members on what's being done to ensure the government and public is aware of the value our industry provides to Ontario
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"Time is of the essence and Standardbred Canada is well aware of that," stated Standardbred Canada CEO John Gallinger. "Throughout the week Standardbred Canada has been actively working with industry partners for the future of racing. We've leveraged our website and social media networks to not only inform the public on racing's partnership with the government and the economic significance of racing to the provincial landscape, but also to ensure that members understand the gravity of the situation and help them focus their energy in a concerted and positive manner."
"We have been speaking with the media and key politicians. There is much to do, and everyone needs to do their part," continued Gallinger. "Again, I stress, write or call your MPP and tell them why this industry matters to you."
Standardbred Canada has worked closely with the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association (OHRIA), who has developed a strategy and is launching an intensive six-week grass-roots campaign to inform both the public and the Government of the economic impact of the horse racing industry in the Province of Ontario.
OHRIA has engaged the services of a public relations firm and will be calling on all industry stakeholders and ally organizations to help with this intensive strategy scheduled to launch early next week.
“You can rest assured that OHRIA, which includes representatives of the Standardbred, Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Industries, is continuing to do all we can for the horse racing industry in Ontario,” commented Sue Leslie, President and Chair of OHRIA, “Dialogue continues with the Province and the OLG, our Slots at Racetracks partners, and we are also launching an ongoing campaign to send a strong and positive message to Government and the public, of the importance and the economic benefits of the horse racing industry in Ontario.”
Additional information will be available as the campaign unfolds.
(Photo credit: Craig Glover/London Free Press)
Thats right all farmers need
Thats right all farmers need to jump on the band wagon also because they will be losing too.
Exactly the response needed
Exactly the response needed and I think todays Globe and mail article that describes the growing divide between booming Toronto and the rest of Ontario shines the spotlight on the problem. The slots program if discontinued will widen that gap and every MPP in rural Ontario needs to realize that this is their opportunity to represent their constituents. My only question is does the Drummond report clarify how municipalities and racetracks funding would change if the recommendations are implemented. My hope is that the racetracks and the municipalities are as concerned because horsemen will need allies in this fight.
Congrats to Mr. Gallinger
Congrats to Mr. Gallinger and the OHRIA in pulling the public relations firm into the negotiations.As a non- horse member (fan and math man),I can feel the strength starting to move over the Horsepeople in a wave.
When the head of SC ( Mr. Gallinger)starts to roll up the white sleeves, I can feel that he is our leader and I have faith in him to turn the tide.I have emailed two MPPs and told them in a nice way to please study the total agreement and not let 60,000 people be pushed to the brink.
They have to bend here, or face not being elected again.
Excellent! Well done SC and
Excellent! Well done SC and OHRIA!