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News
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Public Accounts Committee looking for details on lotto
revenues November 1, 2005
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Eddie Joyce, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and MHA for the
District of Bay of Islands, says that the committee is requesting more
information regarding lottery revenues and gambling impacts in the province
from the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC). Joyce said the PAC will be
holding another meeting on November 15th at which time the
members will vote on whether to call the CEO of the ALC, Ms. Michelle
Carinci, to appear before the committee. At the request of Labrador West MHA Randy Collins, the PAC met this morning to discuss lottery addictions, revenues and the decision by government to allow a new Keno game to be played in Newfoundland and Labrador. Government officials present at the meeting were not able to provide all requested details, and a discussion took place as to whether Ms. Carinci should be asked to attend a future meeting. Government members of the PAC asked for time to consider the request and another meeting will now be held on November 15th for a decision. "At this morning’s meeting, Mr. Collins was given standing to participate," said Mr. Joyce. "The issue of gambling and the financial impact it is having on individuals and families in this province is a very serious issue. While government is currently developing a prevalence study and an addictions database, neither is complete at this time. In addition, of the four Atlantic Provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province to opt into the Keno game that will soon be available in most bars and stores across the province. Nobody seems to know what financial impact this decision will have on individuals and families in this province. In an effort to get more information regarding ALC gaming impacts in this province, a request was put on the table to ask Ms. Carinci to attend a future meeting of the PAC to provide additional details. "While government members stated they needed time to consider this request, I feel that inviting Ms. Carinci is the only way in which we will get the answers we are seeking. Liberal members of the committee and Mr. Collins feel strongly that Ms. Carinci should be invited and I hope that the government committee members will support this request. This will ensure that information is available to permit an informed and constructive debate in the province as to the impacts of increased gambling in Newfoundland and Labrador."
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