Shoemaker: 'Every OLG job should be in Sault Ste. Marie'

If Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. is serious about saving money, it needs to consolidate its offices here in the Sault, Ward 3 Councillor Matthew Shoemaker says.

"I've said all along that every OLG job should be in Sault Ste. Marie," Shoemaker told Monday's City Council meeting.

"If they're going to call this a headquarters, it's nonsensical to have two locations, one in Toronto and one in Sault Ste. Marie."

"The government commission studying how to save money said consolidate the offices. Well, if they're serious about getting rid of the $6 billion or $5 billion budget – who knows what it is these days – they should consolidate the office in Sault Ste. Marie and bring every OLG job here, just as was the case in the late 80s and early 90s."

"To not do so is irresponsible with taxpayer's dollars and rescinds on the commitment that the government made to us in 1987 when they moved these jobs here."

With a provincial election coming on June 11, Shoemaker wants to make OLG an election issue.

"I have a motion for the next council meeting that asks you to draft a letter to all three major party leaders and all three major party candidates here locally, to get their position on the record about moving all OLG jobs to Sault Ste. Marie," he said.

Shoemaker made his remarks after Mayor Christian Provenzano announced a commitment from Steven Rigby, OLG president and chief executive officer, to maintain current staffing levels in the Sault over the next three years.

"Our plan is to continue driving the core business while enhancing the customer experience experience through new digital, innovative and responsible entertainment options," Rigby said in a letter to Provenzano after the two met over breakfast earlier this year.

"The  contribution of Sault Ste. Marie employees remains fundamental to our continued success and to reaching those new goals. Our commitment to our employees in Sault Ste. Marie and to the broader community will remain unchanged, even as OLG continues to evolve into a new and different organization by task and culture," the OLG boss said.

"As a Crown agency of the province, our business direction is sometimes impacted by variables beyond our control. However, I commit to a conversation to keep you informed of any changes and how they may impact employees in your community."

Last month, Mayor Provenzano wrote back to Rigby, asking for confirmation of the current number of OLG employees in Sault Ste. Marie.