The townspeople of Elmira opposed extra traffic on their streets and of flocks of people who at least had a weakness for gambling and perhaps other limitations too. A provincial government decision upset the natural balance among the townspeople causing competition for the best solution. Ernie Eves, our Finance Minister, opened a door for the introduction of slot machines at racetracks. This was seen as a harmless method of taxation. It looked like a safe area for introducing a new, hidden tax.
Deceptive taxation invites complications.
Gambling confuses the public into thinking that their present life is insufficient. Gambling is not a new problem. The roots of gambling in Canada go back further. In August we marked the passing of Jean Drapeau. Mr. Drapeau was the mayor of Montreal at the time of Expo '67.