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Gambling Study Steering Committee Needs Participation of Gamblers, Addiction Counselors |
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Written by NDP
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Tuesday, 21 March 2006 |
NDP Gaming Critic Jerry Pye has written the Minister of Environment and Labour, Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, asking her to review the composition of the steering committee that has commissioned a socio-economic impact study of gambling to include representation by the people who deal with the socio-economic impact of gambling every day.
"I am disappointed that the Committee is limited to civil servants representing different departments," says Pye. "There is nobody representing problem gamblers and their families, or the addictions counselors who deal with the socio-economic impact of problem gambling on a daily basis.
"In particular, I am concerned that the Department of Finance and the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation, both of whom have a vested interest in gambling revenues, are represented, but the Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation, the body that funds problem gambling treatment programs."
In his letter to the Minister, Pye expresses his disappointment with the current composition of the committee and asks Ms. Bolivar-Getson to consider including the Gaming Foundation on the committee as well.
"This is an important study and I'm pleased the Minister is showing leadership in commissioning it. However, it's important that she take the next step and show compassion to the families whose lives are torn apart by problem gambling by letting their voices be heard." |
