October 18th, 2018

Ford Tories implement gag order on secret horse track deals that sidestep community input: NDP

In question period on Thursday, NDP OLG and Horse Racing critic Percy Hatfield called on the Ford government to share the details of secret backroom deals that saw communities cut out of decisions on the future of their local horse racing tracks.

“This government has been making secret, backroom deals with owners and operators of horse racing tracks across Ontario without consulting the communities, workers, or anyone else impacted by the deal,” said Hatfield. “New Democrats have been asking for the details of the deals only to find out that those details won’t be released because the government has required all those involved to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

“The public has a right to know what is happening to our race tracks.”

Late last week it was uncovered that the Ford government negotiated secret deals with operators of horse racing tracks without community input or public knowledge. Some secret deals prevent the slots at the racetrack program – a revenue sharing tool – from returning to local racetracks. Local communities and horse families have been fighting for the return of the program ever since the last Liberal government ripped out the slots and threatened the future of Ontario’s horse racing industry.

Hatfield said the public deserve to see the details of the secret deals, and have a say in the future of their local racetracks.

“Shutting families out of a decision to decide the future of their community is simply wrong,” said Hatfield.

“Why did this government demand a gag order be placed on the details of the secret deal they struck with horse racing operators?”