As the race to replace Dalton McGuinty as the leader of Ontario's Liberal Party heats up, two of the candidates have come forward and touched on the need to re-engage with an alienated rural population.
On Friday, Dr. Eric Hoskins released his rural platform in his hometown of Simcoe, Ont. The plan emphasizes the need for the Ontario Liberal Party to re-connect with and listen to rural Ontarians to regain their trust and provide rural communities with greater economic opportunity.
“For Ontario to be successful, we need a strong rural voice, strong rural communities, and a strong rural economy,” Hoskins said. “My plan is about respecting rural Ontarians, and ensuring that they share in Ontario’s economic growth.”
The plan, called Respect for Rural Ontario, features 25 initiatives to support rural Ontario, including a review of the horse racing industry:
"6. A vibrant horse breeding and horse racing sector is important to the economic and social fabric of Ontario. In the first sixty days, I will undertake a review of the sector, building on insights gained from the Horse Racing Industry Transition Report, to ensure that the sector is an integral part of the provincial gaming strategy, and I will develop a long-term sustainable solution - a workable plan - that establishes the government’s partnership with the sector."
On Saturday in Ingersoll, Ont., the leadership candidates held their first all-candidates meeting. Kathleen Wynne made the surprise announcement of stating that if she won the leadership she'd appoint herself as agriculture minister.
"This is such an important issue for us as a province, not just as a party, not just as a government, that I think the premier needs to take this on," stated Wynne. "So as premier I would appoint myself as minister of agricultural and rural affairs for at least a year."
I'm sure Eric Hoskins is a
I'm sure Eric Hoskins is a nice person but this isn't personal. The Ontario Liberals have squandered tax dollars needlessly, caused the Horse people anguish & financial hardship and have put the economy in a fragile state. We need to send a message to them in the next election. They cannot get away with the complete disregard for rural Ontario and then expect to win them over by promises we know will never be kept. McGuinty and Duncan should pay for what they have done to the economy of Ontario and we must not let people forget. We have to send a loud and clear message to the Ontario Liberals... Rural Ontario matters too!
I've had some experience with
I've had some experience with a leadership race with the Ontario Liberal Party and here's how I see it - the candidates will say and do anything to get the nomination. As well, all but the two who don't currently have seats are only jockeying for position so that when the convention rolls around they'll have something to negotiate for a cabinet post. And if neither of the two, or both, who don't have seats (Kennedy and Puppatello) get beat you can bet all you want that they won't seek a seat in the next election. Interestingly, they were both lukewarm favourites the last time but ended up also rans when McGinty won. One tough as nails (Pupatello) and the other a bit soft-spoken. I met both and neither would get my support. I have never met the others but my gut tells me Kathleen Wynne will end up being our next Premier. As other cabinet ministers align themselves with a candidate (Deb Matthews is co-chairing Wynne's campaign) we'll see what shakes out at the convention but I would be asking Wynne some very pointed questions in the meantime.
Typical Liberal
Typical Liberal politicians.....they say what people want to hear at election time and then pursue their own personal agenda after the election. Now, all of a sudden, the votes in rural Ontario DO count??? Where were these politicians when the announcement was made to end the SAR program that terminates 60,000 jobs? ..... Just more B.S. Bring on the election!
It's time everyone took a
It's time everyone took a stance and faced these candidates with a rally in front of maple leaf gardens during the leadership conference? If the striking teachers can grab the headlines why can't the horsemen? Stop the slaughter ! !'!!!!!!!!!
Something isn't right with
Something isn't right with this. All of a sudden one or two come out and say they want to help the rural people. Well, they could have voiced their opinions a long time ago. This smells like a trap to get people to vote them in. Not going to work with me.
"6. A vibrant horse breeding
"6. A vibrant horse breeding and horse racing sector is important to the economic and social fabric of Ontario. In the first sixty days, I will undertake a review of the sector, building on insights gained from the Horse Racing Industry Transition Report, to ensure that the sector is an integral part of the provincial gaming strategy, and I will develop a long-term sustainable solution - a workable plan - that establishes the government’s partnership with the sector."
And if you believe that I have numerous things for sale at a real cheap price!!
I also wrote an email to
I also wrote an email to Mr.Hoskins regarding the cancellation of the Slots-At-Racetracks. We are from Norfolk County, his hometown roots. We did not receive a reply or acknowledgement to the email. I too am suspicious as to his sudden interest and concern. Our hope is that he is genuine.
Dr Hopkins is my MPP and I
Dr Hopkins is my MPP and I voted for him in the last election--heck, I even had one of his lawn signs. Since February I have contacted his office respectfully by email and telephone dozens and dozens of times with regard to the cancellation of the SAR revenue-sharing agreement and its economic ramifications for the province and its citizens. His newly-found concern atonishes me since he not even once returned my calls or answered my emails. I am not impressed.