Just two hours after Ted Arnott and Randy Pettapiece issued a press release on Aug. 24 calling on the provincial government to release its report on the decision to end the Slots at Racetracks program, Minister of Agriculture Ted McMeekin did just that – though the findings will likely not be popular with the area MPPs.
"I have received an interim report," McMeekin said. "The panel has concluded the government made the right decision to end the Slots at Racetracks program – a program that cost taxpayers $345 million a year.
"The panel said it would be a mistake to reinstate the program, going so far as to call it ‘poor public policy’."
In June the minister appointed three former cabinet ministers – Elmer Buchanan, John Snobelen and John Wilkinson – to lead consultations with the horse racing industry to help it "transition from the Slots at Racetracks program to a more sustainable model," said McMeekin.
Though the panel did not recommend reversing the government's decision to end the program, it did advise that "a viable horse racing industry requires ongoing funding to maintain attractive purses, sustain tracks, support breeding and grow a robust betting system," McMeekin added.
"Our government committed $50 million over the next three years to help transition the industry. The panel believes that a greater investment is required."
The minister said he expects to receive a final report from the panel by the end of September. The interim report can be read here: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/about/transition/interimreport08172012.htm.
Earlier in the day, Pettapiece, who represents Perth-Wellington, issued a press release calling on the government to release the report.
“Tens of thousands of jobs are on the line because this government arrogantly cancelled an agreement that was working well,” said Pettapiece. “The industry has already taken a hit, and we can’t afford to wait.”
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Arnott addded, “How long does it take for the premier to get around to reading it? They should have released it to the public the same day they received it.”
Pettapiece and Arnott claim the Liberal government had already made up its mind to kill the horse-racing industry even before it received an economic analysis.
