The following press release from the office of NDP MPP Taras Natyshak (Essex) was issued this afternoon (May 15) and calls on McGuinty’s government to meet with the horse racing industry IMMEDIATELY:

QUEEN’S PARK – After putting thousands of jobs in the horseracing sector in jeopardy, the McGuinty government must meet immediately with the sector and consult on ways to support jobs, says NDP MPP Taras Natyshak (Essex).

“The horseracing industry is an important part of the agricultural industry in Ontario. We keep hearing from the government that consultation with the horseracing industry will happen ‘in due course.’ But breeders are making business decisions that are three years away… Business cannot operate in this ‘due course.’ They need firm commitments,” said Natyshak in Question Period this morning (May 15). “When exactly will the government make good on its promise to consult the horseracing sector on a path forward?”

Yesterday, Natyshak spoke at length about the issue during debate on the government’s budget legislation, focusing on the financial and economic effects of the decision, which has the potential to put thousands of Ontarians out of work. Long-term impacts could also include significant losses in the tourism industry, as the horseracing industry draws visitors from across North America.

Today Natyshak stressed that impacts from decision could spread beyond job losses.

“Not only will this government’s decision on the horseracing sector – made without any consultation – have an impact on thousands of jobs; we’re hearing that horses might have to be slaughtered as a result,” explained Natyshak.