15 February 2012

Dear Members,

The Ontario Horse Racing Industry is facing its most serious crisis yet.   This past Monday the Ontario Government announced they were considering changes to the Slot at Racetracks revenue agreement shared by the horse racing industry.  In 2011 the horse racing industry’s share paid through the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation was $345 million.

It is imperative the Thoroughbred racing community join all racing affiliates across Ontario and share a united voice against these drastic changes being considered by the Ontario Government, the effects of which may cripple the horse racing industry and destroy rural communities.

FACTS ABOUT THE ONTARIO HORSE RACING INDUSTRY

• Horse racing is the second largest sub-sector of the  agricultural economy in Ontario, exceeding the contributions of hogs, poultry, eggs and wheat in 2010.
• 60,000 are employed in the business of horse racing in Ontario.
• Ontario horse racing produces $1.5 billion in wages and salaries on Ontario.
• All three levels of government realize substantial revenues from horse racing and breeding industry expenditures.
• Federal Revenue:     $382.7 million
• Provincial Revenue: $261 million (exclusive of slot machine profits)
• Local governments: $138 million (paid to host municipalities where slots are located)

We encourage our HBPA of Ontario members to write Premier Dalton McGuinty, Minister of Finance, Dwight Duncan and your local MPPs to let them know that changing the Slots at Racetracks program will have a devastating impact on the horse racing industry in Ontario and our rural communities.  Your industry depends on every letter to win this battle so please take action today!

For local MPP contact information visit:  http://www.ontario.ca/en/contacts/004209

Thank you for your support and please send me a copy of your letter to the Ontario Government.

Sincerely,

Sue Leslie, President