Local MPP Randy Pettapiece, Progressive Conservative critic for horse racing is questioning the provincial governments motives for attempting to block witnesses from testifying at a civil trial between a group of Ontario standardbred horse breeders and the Ontario government.
Citing media reports, Pettapiece says the province is trying to block testimonies from former premier Dalton McGuinty and other senior officials, in a lawsuit surrounding the cancellation of Ontario’s Slots at Racetracks program in 2012.
In an Aug. 24 press release, Pettapiece states the lawsuit against the Liberal government includes claims of breach of contract, negligence, and unjust enrichment.
“What exactly are the Liberals hiding?” asked Pettapiece. “Why won’t they let Dalton McGuinty testify? Are they worried about what he will say?
“This is just one more example that the Liberals can’t be trusted to put the interests of the province ahead of their own. After 14 years in power, they’ll never change.”
The horse breeders are suing the province for $65 million claiming they were unfairly cut out of the program which saw slot revenues shared between the province, breeders and racetracks
Last week the province and Ontario Lottery and Gaming filed a motion to appeal a Guelph judge’s decision ordering McGuinty, his former finance minister and 11 of their senior staffers to testify.
