Jeff Leal, Ontario's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, has issued a statement following the recent resignation of Greg Walling.
On September 6, Trot Insider learned that Walling had stepped down from an advisory position with Leal. Walling was appointed Leal's Special Advisor on horse racing last year. They had worked together on matters relating to the industry for several years, including bringing racing back to Kawartha Downs in 2014.
The statement follows:
“I would like to thank Mr. Walling for his advice and commitment to the long-term sustainability of Ontario’s horse racing industry. The insight and knowledge he has provided over the last year has been appreciated.
I value Mr. Walling’s efforts to support the people of Ontario through his work for the horse racing industry, particularly for our smaller regional tracks, and thank him for his parting observations and recommendations.
Ontario remains committed to working with all horse racing industry partners to ensure the long-term success of the industry, and support the viability of the province’s regional tracks, as it works to become more sustainable.”
- Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Dear Mr. Leal: It was 1998 or
Dear Mr. Leal: It was 1998 or later when the Ontario Government agreed with the Ontario Racetracks that "On the tracks that live racing dates beginning with Woodbine, Mohawk, Windsor, Western Fair and others: That compensation Partners would be given to help the purses, and running of those tracks, and the community that allowed Slots. In 2013 Mr. Duncan, Mr.McGinty and the OLG, & Mr. Godfrey announced modernization of the AGREEMENT and removed the slot allowance from Ontario Horsemen. And municipalities such as Hanover couldn't continue the process of construction of the new grandstand! 50,000 or more Ontario families could no longer breed, raise or afford to continue their lives in the business of Horse Racing. The OLG has outsourced the Slots to Gate way And Great Canadian Gaming and privatized betting HPI accounts! MAYBE The time has come for the union of OHHA and COSA. To get together and Sign a new agreement In 2018? Maybe it's time to change the Governments agreement with our family? Respectfully submitted by THOMAS GEORGE KELLY Of Peterborough Ontario
Philip, it would be nice if
Philip, it would be nice if Mr. Wallong could replace some individuals. His departure has certainly raised my eyebrows but to be perfectly honest, it's not surprising.
Too bad that Mr. Walling
Too bad that Mr. Walling could not stay longer.