NDP MPP from Essex, Taras Natyshak has announced plans to introduce a motion in the provincial legislature that will delay OLG’s modernization strategy until after the municipal elections of 2014. The motion will be put forth on Monday, March 18.

The text of Natyshak’s News Release is reproduced below:

Essex MPP Taras Natyshak is introducing a motion at the provincial legislature aimed at addressing serious concerns about the current revamp of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and the future of gaming in Ontario.

“Ontarians are very worried about the Liberal government’s direction on gaming in the province,” said Natyshak. “Vocal casino opponents in Toronto, Hamilton, Kingston, and elsewhere are seeing their voices drowned out by wealthy corporate casino lobbyists. Families and businesses involved in horseracing are witnessing their once-thriving industry gutted to make way for private casinos, with no thought being given to the thousands of Ontarians who depend on horseracing for their livelihoods.”

Natyshak is concerned that PC Leader Tim Hudak’s position also misses the mark.

“Ontarians are also worried about what they’re seeing from the Tories,” said Natyshak. “Mr. Hudak has to be clear what side of his mouth he’s talking out of. In one breath he says he wants to stop the government from ramming casinos into communities that don’t want them. On the other, he’s promising to privatize all gambling and let the Donald Trumps of the world decide where to build.”

The NDP motion, being tabled on Monday, would suspend the transformation of the OLG until after the 2014 municipal elections. Municipalities wishing to be considered for a casino would be able to put a casino referendum question on the ballot, and fair spending limits would be established for the campaign leading up to the referendum.

“Casinos aren’t a magic pill for a province’s financial problems,” said Natyshak. “Affected communities should be given the chance to weigh the costs and benefits before any decision is made.”

The motion would also require the government to maintain the Slots at Racetracks Program until a viable plan for the future of Ontario horseracing can be implemented.

“New Democrats understand that there is work to be done to modernize and strengthen the horseracing industry, but this government simply wants to privatize all gambling and let the Donald Trumps of the world do whatever they want,” said Natyshak. “Let’s take a step back, and collaborate on a real plan that will allow this industry to flourish in the future.”