Crane would cut VLTs
A Progressive Conservative government on P.E.I. would cut back on the number of VLTs operating on the Island, and perhaps eliminate them altogether, says Leader Olive Crane.
The provincial election is still six months away, but Crane is already dropping hints about what might be in her campaign platform.
The question of VLTs came up in this year's budget. It shows the Liberal government plans to bring in $2 million extra in gambling revenue. Finance Minister Wes Sheridan said that's because 40 VLTs are being reactivated after having been out of commission for about five months last year.
Crane said if she had things her way those machines would never be turned back on.
"What I would do right now is put a lock on the door of those VLTs and they would never re-open again." she said.
Speaking to media outside the legislature Thursday, Crane suggested if she becomes premier this fall, she might even go one step further and unplug all the Island's VLTs.
"We are in the process of going through our own policy and just watch what may be coming here in the near future," she said.
Sheridan said it's easier to talk like that from her side of the house.
"Her party had 10 years to do that and they didn't do it," he said.
"It's easy to do when you're standing there and talking without trying to balance budgets."
Sheridan said he's satisfied with the number of VLTs currently in operation at the two casinos, and he has no plans to reduce the number from the approximately 200 currently in those facilities.
