The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Toronto - People with gambling problems account for more than a third of the $4 billion spent each year by Ontario residents at casinos, racetracks and lottery kiosks, a new study suggests. About 4.8 per cent of Ontario residents have a gambling problem, according to a new study by the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre. But even though those Ontarians gamble away about $1.41 billion annually, the province spends just $36 million each year on gambling research, prevention and treatment.The study found that problem gamblers accounted for about 36 per cent of gambling revenue overall, but up to 60 per cent of revenue from gaming machines. Ottawa - Paul Martin's Liberals reintroduced a controversial bill Monday that would decriminalize marijuana possession and replace criminal charges with fines for anyone caught with up to 15 grams of the drug. If the bill passes, adults who are caught with less than 15 grams of marijuana could be fined up to $400, but would not be left with a criminal record. Ottawa - Federal and provincial officials hope to lay the groundwork for a national early childhood education and child-care program. The Liberal election platform included a promise of $5 billion over five years as an initial investment in the program. The provinces agree to talk about a national program, but haven't all bought into ideals of universal day care.
