The Ontario government considers the 14-year-old program a subsidy, but horse people say it is a partnership. And killing it will decimate a multi-billion dollar agricultural industry
by BERNARD TOBIN
When the Ontario Liberal government announced it would end the Slots at Racetracks program in March 2013, Ontario horseman John MacMillan was numb.
Seven years ago, MacMillan moved to Spencerville, south of Ottawa, where he purchased an 88-acre farm and set out to build his training operation. After investing about $250,000 in constructing a racetrack, fencing, barns and other facilities, the horseman quickly established himself as one of the leading trainers at nearby Rideau Carleton Raceway.