Blog
MPP Scott Addresses Wynne Government's Failure on Kawartha Downs
INDSAY – Today, MPP Scott expressed profound disappointment at the decision to deny Kawartha Downs’ request for 40 racing slots; a decision that will almost certainly lead to job losses and hurt the local economy.
“It’s now clear that the Wynne government is continuing its all-out attack on the horse racing industry in this province,” stated Scott.
First, the Liberal government suddenly cancelled the Slots at Racetracks Program that helped to support this vital rural industry for many years. That decision led to 23,000 job losses and 27,000 dead horses.
Now, for the second year in a row, Kawartha Downs has had its application for additional racing slots denied.
“Kawartha Downs is trying hard to make things work in the face of this government’s attacks on the industry. But even then, the government slaps them down! How does Rural Affairs Minister Jeff Leal expect Kawartha Downs to succeed, when they’ve had both hands tied behind their back by his government?,” Scott added.
Minister Leal has feigned concern about the crisis affecting Kawartha Downs, while at the same time turning a blind eye to the decisions made by the government and its agencies, which are killing the local horse racing industry.
“It is this government that caused the current crisis, and it is their responsibility to fix the mistakes they have made. Sadly, it seems that Minister Leal is happy to watch this vital rural industry die on his watch,” Scott concluded.
October 25, 2017Wynne Government rejects MPP Scott’s call to stop the move of the Minden Courthouse
QUEEN’S PARK – On April 7, 2017, MPP Scott launched a petition calling on the Attorney General to step in and overturn the decision to close the Minden Courthouse, stating that “the closure of the Provincial Offence court in Minden means; a dramatic reduction in access to justice for residents, hurts the local economy and, jeopardizes community safety by letting criminals get off scot-free.”
“Unfortunately, the Wynne Government has refused to listen to the hundreds of constituents who signed my petition and failed to act to stop this closure” said Scott.
Instead the Attorney General hid behind judicial independence and failed to take responsibility for causing the backlog of Justice of the Peace appointments in the first place.
“This is a shameful response from the Minister, showing that he doesn’t care about the realities of life in rural Ontario. Nevertheless, I will keep up the pressure on him to listen to my constituents and ensure that they have the access to justice that they deserve,” Scott concluded.
See PDF file for the Minister's response, which was sent to MPP Scott's office.
MPP Laurie Scott recognized by BOOST with Champion for Children Award
TORONTO – Yesterday, at the Annual General Meeting of the ground-breaking BOOST Child & Youth Advocacy Centre in Toronto, MPP Laurie Scott was recognized with the Champion for Children Award for her work in the fight against human sex trafficking.
“Your leadership and advocacy efforts in the area of human sex trafficking have made a real difference in the lives of the children of Ontario,” BOOST stated.
The annual Champion for Children Award honours a group or individual who has displayed an exemplary commitment to creating pathways to better service for children, youth and families.
“I am humbled to receive this award, and will continue to dedicate myself to protecting our children from the horror of human sex trafficking. There is much more that needs to be done to eradicate it and to provide proper support to victims,” Scott said.
June 20, 2017Historic Anti-Human Trafficking Legislation Becomes Law in Ontario
QUEEN’S PARK – Bill 96, the Anti-Human Trafficking Act, based largely on MPP Scott’s Saving the Girl Next Door Act, became law today after having received unanimous support in the Ontario Legislature. This law will finally provide much-needed recourse and justice to survivors of human sex trafficking in Ontario.
“On behalf of the PC Caucus I want to say, ‘Finally,’” said MPP Scott during third reading debate yesterday. “We’ve been waiting for legislative action for over a year.”
This new law establishes February 22nd as Human Trafficking Awareness Day, allows victims of human trafficking to apply for restraining orders against their traffickers, and allows victims to sue their traffickers for damages.
MPP Scott has advocated for anti-human trafficking legislation for two years.
“There is much more to follow through on with respect to anti-human trafficking measures. We need public service announcements, we need education. We cannot allow human trafficking to be a normal part of our society. Collectively, we have to stamp it out,” Scott said.
“I am putting the government on notice: I will continue to watch their actions on this file closely, but I appreciate the fact that we are finally adopting anti-human trafficking legislation,” she concluded.
May 18, 2017Scott named PC Critic for Community Safety and Women's Issues
"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Ontario PC Critic for Community Safety, in addition to my previous role as Critic for Women's Issues. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of meeting many dedicated police officers and public safety officials as I travelled across the province raising awareness of the issue of human sex trafficking. I look forward to working closely with the men and women in our law enforcement and emergency service communities as they strive to keep Ontarians safe."
February 07, 2017
