News Release April 12 2005
For Release: 10 AM

Citizens’ Group Aims for Elimination of VLTs

( Halifax, NS) A new citizens’ group dedicated to the elimination of VLTs from Nova Scotia launched their campaign on the government’s doorstep with a news conference at Province House this morning.

Many new faces joined well-known advocates such as actor John Dunsworth, Halifax Citadel MLA Danny Graham, and founder of VOLTS (Video Online Terminators Society) Bernie Walsh to outline plans for the campaign, called GameOverVLTs.com.

A major feature of the campaign is a website (GameOverVLTs.com), which includes information about the impact of VLTs, personal stories from compulsive users, and an online petition. The website will also track the positions of the province’s 51 MLAs on the elimination of VLTs.

“It’s time the government recognized the impact of these machines – by announcing a plan to get rid of them,” said Dunsworth, best known for his role as Mr. Lahey in the popular Trailer Park Boys. “We’ve started this campaign, and we’re here until there is a clear, practical plan to get VLTs out of bars and out of the lives of Nova Scotians.”

Dunsworth is currently producing a television program on the subject of VLTs, focusing on the costs to individuals and families.

Bernie Walsh spoke to that cost. “The six year addiction eventually ended my marriage, my relationship with my children, and led to the loss of my home, friendships, and life savings,” he said. Walsh pointed out that his personal costs were also social costs – “What I spent on the machines would have benefited government if I had been paying for food, clothes and other things – and, without VLTs, I wouldn’t need the medical services that I do now.”

Mr. Walsh will introduce the GameOverVLTs.com card campaign.

“GameOverVLTs.com! has three main goals”, said Graham. “First, we intend to educate Nova Scotians about the uniquely destructive impact of VLTs on Nova Scotia families. Second, we will help families find the support they need. Third, we will steadfastly campaign for the eventual elimination of these machines from Nova Scotia.”

In addition to the video production, card campaign and website, the campaign will host future events across the province that help educate the public, support families and advocate for the elimination of VLTs.

-30-