The Archbishop of Toronto has joined a chorus of more than 265 religious leaders who have spoken out against a bringing a casino to this city.
“In my years of
pastoral ministry as a priest and bishop, I have become sadly aware of
the grievous suffering experienced by individuals and families because
of gambling dependence,” Cardinal Thomas Collins wrote in a letter
distributed Thursday.
“As a Catholic community, we should ponder carefully the proposals before our elected officials and add informed commentary to the discussion. Is yet another major casino a truly wholesome development that enhances the quality of life in our community? Does even more gambling make for a better society for individuals and for families?”
Earlier this month, more than 265 religious leaders representing the Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and Christian faiths released a joint statement condemning plans to bring a casino to Toronto.
Enticed by the possibility of a $100 million hosting fee, Mayor Rob Ford has passionately pushed for a Vegas-style casino resort in Toronto. The issue passed executive last week and will now go to council where it will almost certainly die.
A majority of councillors have declared they intend not to support a downtown casino.
The major entertainment companies lobbying for the project — including MGM — have indicated they are not interested in building an integrated resort in the city unless it’s downtown.