Horsemen are continuing to fight against the province’s decision to end the Slots at Racetracks program, and the 60,000 jobs they say will be lost through the elimination of the revenue-sharing program with Ontario racetracks and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
Former PC candidate Paula Peroni and the Sudbury Provincial PC Riding Association, the Northern Ontario Horsemen Association and Robertson’s Training Centre will stage a rally Aug. 27 in support of the horse and agricultural industries in the Sudbury area and throughout Ontario. Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas will also be on hand.
“There are as many as 60,000 jobs that will be lost by the simple arrogance and greed of (Premier Dalton) McGuinty and friend (Finance Minister Dwight) Duncan,” Peroni said in a news release. “Veterinarians, feed companies, farmers, horse stables, handlers, blacksmiths, riding academies, college courses and training centres, breeders, equipment manufacturers, pleasure riding stables to name a few are all going to feel a serious impact. Many will be forced to close their businesses altogether.
“By breaking the Slots at Racetracks program, McGuinty and his Liberal MPPs would rather replace our time-honoured and successful rural traditions with shiny casinos that are owned and operated by our friends south of the border. Yet again he’s backing the wrong horse with this decision and we want to send a strong message to him at Queen’s Park from right here in the north on behalf of all Ontarians.”
Anyone who is interested in horses and agriculture to come out for a barbecue, meet and show support for local farmers and horsemen and view horse-related demonstrations. This is a family event- for families- by families, she said.
Toronto Maple Leafs coach Randy Carlyle will be one of the guest speakers, as well as MPPs Vic Fedeli, Garfield Dunlop and Lisa MacLeod.
The event ill be held on Aug. 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Robertson’s Training Centre, 152 Bonin Road in Azilda. All are invited.