From the Office of Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath
Queen’s Park, October 2, 2013 – During Question Period today, Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath, called on the government to protect jobs at the Fort Erie Race Track.
Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath
“For the second time in just over a year, workers at the Fort Erie Race Track got pink slips instead of assurances from this government throwing families and local businesses in Niagara into turmoil once again.” said Horwath.
“This government talks a good talk but will it pony up and provide stable long term funding for the horse racing industry instead of gambling with the economic future of Fort Erie and all of rural Ontario?”
The NDP Leader reminded the government that Fort Erie has already been hard hit by job losses, but the Premier refused to commit to keeping the Fort Erie Race Track open for another season. Horwath demanded a firm commitment for workers and their families.
“All bets are off for the 117th season at Fort Erie Race Track when the last race is actually held on October 15. Not only does Canadian horse racing stand to lose a jewel in its triple crown, but those horse people and track workers stand to lose a whole lot more than the Prince of Wales Stakes. They stand to lose their livelihood” said Horwath.
“When will this government stop hedging their bets and commit to sustainable funding for the Fort Erie Race Track, and tracks in communities across the province, so that horse people can plan for the future instead of preparing for the worst?”
(Niagara At Large invites you to share your views on this issue below. A reminder that NAL only posts comments from individuals who also share their first and last name.)
Niagara At Large 
The article states “…..provide stable long term funding for the horse racing industry instead of gambling…” and what is horse racing, if it isn’t gambling? Along with those who gamble away money and lose – it is the horses that suffer the most….with over 90,000 horses going to slaughter in federally inspected slaughterhouses, you can bet that many of them were surplus to the racing industry. Please don’t say horses ‘love to run’ …running is a flight instinct when danger presents itself – it is rarely about enjoyment. The horse racing industry has a lot to answer for and does not need to be touted as an alternative for playing slot machines!
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