Mr. Speaker, I sincerely thank the hon. member for bringing forward this issue. I know he is sincere in coming forward with his question.
Last weekend I was in Windsor, Ontario, a city with casinos. I noticed that the small businesses, particularly the restaurants, were closing in that area. The reason is that the casinos were subsidizing the food and the smaller businesses were suffering. The revenue from the casinos was not going to the community where it was doing the damage to the community. The smaller businesses were suffering and complaining. At least seven businesses complained to me. Three of them were restaurants.
Particularly in the gambling industry it is is recreation on the one hand but on the other hand it is a serious disease. It is mostly seniors who are affected by the disease. It is a provincial jurisdiction and I cannot comment on what it should do or what it should not do. Definitely this is a point that all politicians at whatever level should look at seriously so that we can preserve the social values in our society and protect those who are addicted to gambling.
Maybe once in a while it is fine for people to go and enjoy it, but it hurts me when those who are addicted find all their life savings drained into gambling.