Wynne fires Paul Godfrey as chairman of OLG

Paul Godfrey has been fired by Premier Wynne as the head of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation with a decision by the Ontario government to head in a different direction on gaming.  The cabinet secretary Peter Wallace has been appointed interim chairman. It appears that the eight-member board of directors at the OLG has resigned in solidarity with Paul Godfrey. At a news conference this evening, Mr Godfrey, 74, told reporters that the chemistry between himself and the premier was just not right. Mr. Godfrey said that he knows the premier is not comfortable with gaming (gambling) but there is no way Ontario can do without it because of the money that is generated.  It seems apparent however that the Premier’s distaste for big-time gambling, including its impact on the horse racing industry, will now require a completely new structure at the OLG.  As   fallout from the Godfrey dismissal, Mayor Ford has cancelled a meeting for Tuesday at which council would have debated the casino issue. The mayor said the matter is now dead. Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa said he spoke to Godfrey Thursday afternoon and thanked him for his service. “Mr. Godfrey led a significant turnaround in the operations of the OLG. Based on his extensive career in public office and in the private sector, Mr. Godfrey brought seasoned leadership and deep commitment to his role as Chair of OLG,” Sousa said in a statement. “The Government of Ontario appreciates the commitment that Mr. Godfrey has made as Chair of OLG, and thanks him for the significant accomplishments made during this period,” he added.