MPP Arnott speaks out for families suffering from gambling addictions

Waterloo-Wellington MPP Ted Arnott took a stand for families negatively impacted by gambling addictions on November 25th in the Ontario Legislature.

During Question Period Mr. Arnott asked Minister of Economic Development and Trade Joe Cordiano, the Minister responsible for gaming, if the Government would express support for Bill 95, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation Amendment Act, 2004. Mr. Arnott introduced this Bill about six months ago.

Bill 95 would prevent the Government from establishing any new gaming premises, or expanding existing ones, until it appoints a commission under the Public Inquiries Act to study the negative social impacts of excessive gambling.

“It has long been my view that too many families have been negatively impacted by gambling addictions. This problem has been highlighted in a great number of media reports in recent weeks, including an investigative series by Dave Seglins of CBC Radio,” Mr. Arnott told the House.

“Much of the initial coverage focused on a report conducted by the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre. That report estimated that Ontario residents lose more than $4 billion a year on provincially run gambling. The alarming fact is that 35% of that massive sum is coming from the 5% of Ontario's adult population who have a gambling problem,” he said before asking if the Government would express support for Bill 95.

In reply, the Minister evaded the matter of Mr. Arnott’s Bill and spoke of an ongoing Government review saying: “...I’ve made certain that we’re going to take stock of where we are in this province. We are conducting a major assessment of the gaming industry in this province.”

Ted Arnott rose again to point out that there are two reviews, one that is operational and about how much gambling expansion the Ontario market can bear, and another that is aimed at developing a problem gambling strategy. He also suggested that the Government is not taking an impartial look at gambling addictions in Ontario and is bent on expanding gambling.

“The minister outlined and gave information to the House about an operational review he has undertaken on this issue. I'm concerned that the government is going to use this as a pretext for a massive expansion of gambling in this province,” Mr. Arnott informed the Legislature.

“The minister is aware, certainly, that the review he has undertaken on problem gambling is being led by the former chair of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp -- does this mean he is impartial when it comes to the question of gambling expansion? -- and the review appears to be limited by the fact that it's being done behind closed doors without any of the public participation that Bill 95 would provide,” he added.

Mr. Arnott then provided the Minister with a five-point plan developed by the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre. The plan includes public education for adults; effective school-based prevention for children and youth; prevention for gamblers; aggressive, innovative treatment for early-stage problem gamblers; and prevention of foreseeable harm at gambling venues such as casinos.

“My question is: Will the government display a social conscience and implement this five-point plan to help people with gambling addictions and take a socially responsible approach to protecting them?” Mr. Arnott asked.

The Minister’s reply again evaded Mr. Arnott’s question.