The Board of Directors of the Standardbred Breeders of Ontario Association(SBOA) has issued the following Open Letter to Industry Participants:
Undoubtedly, these have been very difficult times for those of us in the horse racing industry. Announcements about the end of the Slots at Racetracks program have left us with an uncertain future.
The only way we can make headway, however, is to stand behind the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association and speak as one voice to government. The Standardbred Breeders of Ontario Association fully supports OHRIA in this regard. Time is passing and we need to move quickly to get some answers.
OHRIA has been actively working on behalf of the industry. A PR firm and lobbyist have been hired and are working collaboratively. A grassroots initiative has been launched and the message is getting out to the public that the Slots at Racetracks program is not a subsidy, but rather a revenue sharing agreement that has delivered a great return for the province. Media articles have been very supportive of our position.
Last week’s poll stating that 69 percent oppose the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s proposal to increase gambling in the province by opening new facilities in cities like Toronto and Ottawa was helpful to our cause. We are making inroads.
Many people have asked about how they can help the effort. Meeting with your local MPP and explaining how this personally affects your business is extremely helpful. Arm your local politicians with facts so that they have a better understanding of the business and keep providing them with information. The value4money.ca website has a wealth of information you can access.
The Ontario Sires Stakes program has been modeled in many jurisdictions because it is able to support agriculture while preserving green space and generating employment. Take the time to explain the merits of the program to your government representatives. The Ontario mare residency program has also been successful in attracting investment into the province. These messages must continue to be delivered. Getting signatures on petitions is another way to garner support.
We have all witnessed some promising things happening in our industry in spite of the challenges we face. People are stepping up, contacting media to tell our story, writing MPPs, visiting MPPs, and obtaining letters of support from associations that deal with the horse industry.
Horse racing is made up of some amazing people involved in a way of life we are proud to be a part of. Let’s continue to work together and stand united as an industry.
–SBOA Board of Directors
