Premier defends lifting of gambling pause

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This article was published 13/12/2023 (642 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Premier Wab Kinew says lifting the pause on new gambling facilities is part of his government’s “economic reconciliation” strategy — and he’s open to a First Nations casino in Winnipeg.

Kinew said Wednesday there is no specific proposal on the table, but he is amenable to discussions if an offer is made, whether it involves an urban Indigenous economic zone in Winnipeg or elsewhere.

The NDP government, which has revamped the board at Crown-owned Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, issued a mandate letter to the board that says a pause on new gambling facilities, put in place by the former Progressive Conservative government in 2018, is no longer in place.

Kinew said Indigenous groups had requested the moratorium on VLT expansion be removed and it’s time to consider allowing urban reserves a chance to share the economic benefits of gaming.

“We took the decision that we can lift this pause while still ensuring that we’re being socially responsible,” Kinew said one day after the new board was named.

First Nations leaders were upset a decade ago when the Shark Club, a gambling centre with slot machines, table games and more, operated by True North Sports and Entertainment, opened in downtown Winnipeg.

First Nations groups had sought to open a casino in Winnipeg but were rebuffed by the government of the day, which said the Winnipeg market was full with two government-run casinos.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs later filed a lawsuit against the government, seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in damages for what it says was lost revenue. The statement of claim has not been tested in court.

In an interview Tuesday, Glen Simard, the minister responsible for the Crown corporation, said it is too early to say whether a First Nations casino in Winnipeg is part of the plans.

“The (board) will collaborate with stakeholders, of which Indigenous communities are (part),” he said.

The mandate letter also makes clear the government will focus on expanding alcohol sales at government-run stores instead of allowing more private outlets into the market.

The Crown corporation’s board is to “responsibly expand public liquor retail stores,” the letter states, including express outlets that are government-run but located inside some large grocery stores.

The former Tory government had promised to offer more private alcohol sales. It put forward a bill that would have launched a pilot project involving alcohol in grocery or corner stores. But the NDP, then in opposition, prevented the bill from passing before the election.

— With files from The Canadian Press