The panel responsible for coming up with a plan to keep Ontario’s horse racing industry afloat is now under fire after submitting hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses and honorariums for the process.
As CTV News reported Monday night, the Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel did release a report, but has since submitted a bill to the provincial government for $660,000. The panel consisted of three former cabinet ministers, Elmer Buchanan, John Snobelen and John Wilkinson, one from each of the major parties.
“We billed expenses that include are limited to transportation, per kilometre rate on a car and air travel and I think we travelled a couple of times to Sudbury,” says Snobelen.
CTV News has learned the salaries for the three men. Buchanan made close to $190,000, with another $39,000 billed to his farm. Snobelen earned $231,000, with Wilkinson getting the most money at $238,000. This was for five months of work.
“Bringing three different ministers, from three different political parties helps to take the politics out of an issue,” Snobelen says.
Long-time equine veterinarian, Mark Biederman participated with the trio in a conference call in 2012. He’s calling the news absurd.
“After about one hour of the meeting I came home and put my business up for sale. To me, they were out to benefit themselves and that’s about it,” Biederman says. “I just think it’s a travesty what they've done.”
Based upon the panels work, the province unveiled a five-year plan for horse racing this past October. They pledge to spend $80-million per year, starting this April – most of it going to the purses.
In Essex County, a deal must still be hammered out for operating costs for the Leamington track before racing can resume this summer.
