Ontario Federation of Agriculture Applauds Wynne Government on Transition Funding Agreement
By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
Ontario Federation of Agriculture released a statement saying that they are pleased that the Ontario government has reached tentative funding agreements with four new horse racetracks.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne made the announcement on Friday, in Elora, saying that the agreement will provide “long-term stability” for the horserace industry, but also notes that it’s going to be smaller.
The racetracks include: Clinton, Hanover, London and the Grand River track in Elora. Mohawk and Woodbine had already signed a three-year transition funding agreement. There are still eight race tracks that have yet to sign on.
“The horse racing industry is vital to Ontario’s economy, representing 60,000 jobs throughout rural Ontario,” Mark Wales, OFA president said in a press release. “The transition funding will provide much needed stability for the industry while a long-term sustainable model is developed that ensures the future of the Ontario horse racing industry.”
Ontario’s horseracing industry which employs 60,000 people, have been living in uncertain times since March 2012 when the Ontario Liberal government announced the end of the Slots at Racetracks program – a shared revenue agreement.