Minister responds to article

December 5, 2013 · 0 Comments

Regarding “Ontario PCs say they alone have plan to preserve horseracing” (Citizen, Nov. 28, 2013):
I believe that Ontario’s horse racing industry has a bright future. I know many involved with the industry have been through tough times and faced many challenges. These are concerns I take very seriously.
But I don’t believe in playing political games with an industry that is so important to communities across the province.
The opposition is advocating a return to a program which lacked accountability and transparency. It was identified in three separate reviews as bad public policy.
Our government, under the leadership of Premier Kathleen Wynne, has moved forward with a new plan.
Backed by a five-year, $400-million commitment, our Horse Racing Partnership Plan establishes a solid foundation for the industry and provides opportunities for growth. I believe it will be the model for public support for racing across North America.
Horse racing is an historic and culturally important industry for the province. I understand this has been a difficult period of transition, but I am confident our plan will return strength to the industry.
Whether it’s a five-point plan or a three-point plan, the opposition proposals are at the starting gate, and we’re off to the races.
Jeff Leal,
Minister of Rural Affairs