Proposed Casino Will Negatively Impact Toronto's Most Vulnerable People

TORONTO, April 12, 2013 /CNW/ - As the largest non-governmental provider of direct social services in Canada, The Salvation Army is deeply concerned about the devastating impact a new downtown casino would have on Toronto's most vulnerable people.

The Salvation Army does not support economic development through gambling and we believe the community and especially the marginalized will be negatively affected. History and research confirms the negative impact a casino would have on families and the desperately needy in Toronto.

According to a 2011 Statistics Canada report "low income families spend proportionally more of their household income on gambling than higher income families."  A November 2012 TPH Technical Report "suggests that families and individuals with low income may be heavily represented as problem gamblers or disproportionally affected by problem gambling." This is reason enough not to build the casino.

As a major partner with the City of Toronto in the fight against poverty and homelessness, The Salvation Army is asking Mayor Rob Ford and City Council to vote "NO" - and consider other investment opportunities as opposed to building a casino in the heart of Canada's largest city.

About the Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army is an international faith-based organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and every day in 400 communities across Canada and more than 124 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.

SOURCE: The Salvation Army - Ontario Central Division

For further information or to set up an interview please contact:

Major John P. Murray M.A., APR
Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development
The Salvation Army
Ontario Central - East Division
Tel: [phone] Cell: 416-998-0117