Pro Horse Racing Ad Graces Canadian Newspaper
After the Ontario government cancelled a contract with the country's horse racing industry that saw it reap $16 billion in taxes over ten years, local racehorse owner, Ed James hit back by placing a full-page ad in the Toronto Star, criticizing the OLG for its moves.
The pro Ontario horse racing ad slammed the Liberal government and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp, under the title: "To the Residents of Ontario; One man's opinion of a government either lost in the fog or laying a smoke screen; You decide."
The ad called into question why the province's government has backed out of
what pro-racers consider to be a lucrative contract with the Ontario horse
racing industry.
"The profit split of the Slots-at-Racetracks program was: 75% going to the Government, 5% to surrounding communities (ie. Windsor), 10% to the equestrian industry and 10% to the racetrack operators who provided the property where the slots are housed."
The ad brings the reader's attention to Chapter 17 of the Drummond Report, which made recommendations to the Liberal Government in a bid to find solutions to spiraling deficits.
It slams the government's decision to close slots at racetracks "in spite of the contract" and said that the government's decision will affect "60,000 people, 31,000 full time, by putting them out of work."
Ad Against Private Sector Casinos
Ed James' ad also criticized the government's decision to allow US-based 'private sector' casinos into the province.
"Understandably, invasion and management of Ontario's casinos would be an important accomplishment for this 'private sector'," the ad reads. "Slots at Windsor Raceway were closed seven weeks after the OLG's decision to 'make it easier for Windsorites to get to a casino (versus driving to a racetrack) and enjoy the benefits and convenience.' That, I guess is why there is a faux pas concern about the addiction of gambling; it seems our government regards fall-out from gambling addiction as an enjoyment and benefit."
The ad asked Ontarians if they wanted to "live in a northern spin-off of Atlantic City or Las Vegas" and if they wanted to see "over 30,000 horses slaughtered along with the successful Slots-at-Racetracks program" which currently generates over $1.1 billion annually for the province."
"Why, ten years ago, did Government parties make a contract to benefit communities, the horse industry and a reasonable number of casino operators as opposed to now - as Liberal parties now choose to benefit foreign casino operators and Government coffers with a story of a future balanced budget based on gambling proceeds," questioned the ad.
It also pointed out that if 64% of the OLG's revenue is derived from slots at the racetracks, and a large majority of tracks will be without slots a year from now, then where is the shortfall expected to come from?"
