Attorney General Doug Downey announced today that the provincial government will be making it easier for charities to help those who need it most.
At a news conference at the Seasons Centre for Grieving Children on McDonald Street, the Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte MPP announced that the provincial fee applied to the sale of break-open tickets (also commonly known as Nevada tickets) will be eliminated, allowing more money to go to the people who need it.
“This is a really big announcement for anyone who not only relies on the money from a charity, but also for those who give and want to ensure their money is going directly to where it is needed most," Downey said.
Events that utilize the loittery tickets are a substantial source of funding for many charitable organizations throughout the province and are licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The tickets can be also found at many malls and stores.
In 2017-18, the provincial fee on the sale of break-open tickets cost charities approximately $4.7 million.
Downey said that money can now be used more effectively in the community.
“Our own community has countless charities that operate solely on the giving of others," he said. "Now fees will not get in the way of everyone benefitting.
"It is great to give this announcement surrounded today by some of the many charities from our region.”
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Habitat for Humanity, and Gilda’s Club were just some of the local charities that sent representatives to Friday's news conference.
Seasons Centre managing director Rowley Ramey told BarrieToday that the announcement means so much to the, because it it opens so many doors.
“Every dollar gets translated into supporting the kids," he said. “We have multiple programs that are constantly expanding, so for us to not have the fee overhead is just such a relief.”
