I invite you to read my remarks at today's official press conference with Minister David Lametti after formally tabling the Single Sports Betting legislation this morning:

One of the very first meetings I had as a rookie MP was with Minister Lametti on this very file of single sports betting.  His openness to listen and to lead is a big reason why we are here this morning.  And so I want to begin by thanking Minister Lametti on behalf of all the constituents of Windsor-Tecumseh and Essex County.

I also want to recognize my colleagues MP Vance Badawey and MP Chris Bittle – they have been in this fight as MPs way longer than I have and they have been tireless champions for this legislation and for their communities.  They have also been mentors and role models to first year MPs like myself, which is something that I personally appreciate.

There have been many people who have advocated hard for this day in Windsor-Essex – as it really was a true team effort. 

And here I want to acknowledge the work of my predecessor Joe Comartin on this file and my colleague MP Brian Masse – who have worked hard for ten years raising this issue.

I also want to take a moment to thank Dave Cassidy – the president of our local UNIFOR 444 – and I also want to thank Dana Dunphy who is the UNIFOR local 444 Unit Chair at Caesars Windsor.

We organized a meeting with the Prime Minister and local workers and labour leaders about two weeks ago and Dana talked very passionately and very eloquently about the tremendous pain that Caesars Windsor workers and their families have gone through during COVID19.

Less than 10 per cent are back at work.  Dana also talked about the importance of Single Sports Betting to Caesars Windsor and its 2,500 workers.

And so this announcement is for Dana and for the 2,500 workers at Caesars Windsor.  Today is about them.

The legalization of Single Sports Betting will help keep Caesars Windsor competitive – especially against American competition a stone’s throw away - and it will help protect these vital jobs in our community, while at the same time introducing responsible gaming.

Today is a very good day.