Province Seeks Public Input on Gaming
The provincial government is asking Nova Scotians for their views on the future of gaming in Nova Scotia.
Peter Christie, Minister responsible for Part I of the Gaming Control Act, and Rodney MacDonald, Minister responsible for the Office of Health Promotion, released a discussion paper today, Aug. 12, that provides a framework for a gaming strategy for Nova Scotia.
"We'll be working collaboratively to ensure that our future efforts to direct and manage gaming activity are sustainable and responsible," said Mr. Christie."I'm looking forward to hearing the views of individuals and groups from across the province."
The discussion paper, titled New Directions for Gaming in Nova Scotia, identifies issues and challenges facing the industry and proposes a vision, objectives and guiding principles that could direct gaming decisions in the future. It provides Nova Scotians with background and context on the gaming industry and asks specific questions seeking feedback.
"This is a true opportunity to help direct the future approach to gaming in our province," said Mr. MacDonald. "The discussion paper recognizes the value of being socially responsible while realizing the economic benefits of gaming. That balance is very important to our government."
The ministers have appointed Marie Mullally, president and CEO of the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation, and Scott Logan, assistant deputy minister, Office of Health Promotion, to gather the public's feedback by this fall. The release of the discussion paper and the public input stage are part of a plan to develop a comprehensive gaming strategy in 2005.
Gaming revenues for 2004-05 are budgeted to be $170 million, an amount that would fund the salaries of about 3,500 nurses, the construction of 17 to 18 elementary schools or about 150 kilometres of new twinned highway.
The discussion paper is available on the government website at www.gov.ns.ca/gamingstrategy , through Access Nova Scotia Centres or by calling the government general enquiry line at 1-800-670- 4357.