Thank you to the member opposite for that very important question.

As the member knows, there has been a complaint filed, which he just referenced, in front of the Competition Bureau so I can’t get into specifics and comment in a detailed fashion on that.

But I will say this—and I think the member opposite knows this: The previous government was willing and prepared to allow for the collapse of the horse racing industry, and that would have caused the potential loss of 23,000 jobs and 27,000 dead horses.

We are supporting the horse racing industry. In fact, during the pandemic, we negotiated terms to have a long-term funding agreement to provide additional support through a very challenging time for the industry. This will give the industry time to recover, preserve local employment, and provide support to Ontario’s 15 racetracks until 2026.

Our government really understands the important role that the horse racing industry provides in many of our communities across Ontario. In fact, a few of my colleagues who were around in opposition at the time—you fought for the horse racing industry; you stepped up for all those jobs in many communities around Ontario. In fact, in the member opposite’s own riding, if it weren’t for the tireless advocacy of my colleagues on this side of the House and in the middle over there, that would be countless jobs that were lost, countless communities that would have suffered.

We stand with the horse racing industry. We will continue to support the horse racing industry.

Thank you for your support. That’s all I have to say.

My question is to the Premier.

The Fort Erie Race Track will have their 126th opening day next Tuesday. Right now, they’re under attack. After reaching an impasse in their attempts to resolve ongoing issues, the Fort Erie Race Track filed a grievance with the Canadian trade commission for targeted anti-competition behaviour by Woodbine. Woodbine has enforced a strict horse-stabling policy and is routinely running B-level races as an A-level track at the expense of the Fort Erie Race Track. Will the government step in and have Woodbine end this behaviour to ensure the future of the Fort Erie track?

Woodbine refuses to work proactively with Fort Erie in the scheduling of the Prince of Wales Stakes, which would allow both Triple Crown races to be highlighted and well attended in the province.

Thoroughbred tracks in Ontario should be working together. Woodbine is doing the opposite.

Speaker, I ask the government to do the right thing: Support horse racing in this province and rein in this behaviour by Woodbine and Mr. Jim Lawson, the CEO.