The View - 209

1533 – General Members Meeting - Postponed

In light of the recent developments and the ongoing impacts of the Covid-19 situation, we have taken the decision to postpone our forthcoming General Members Meeting scheduled for the 24^th March 2020. 

This was based on the recommendation of ‘people gathering’,combined with the need of our members to be focused on dealing with their individual company challenges at this time. Once we have a new confirmed date, we will release it to all members.

If you have any questions, please contact the office or Peter McMahon directly.

1534 – Unique Sector Decision – Community (Bingo) Gaming

Following on from our communication of the 6^th March 2020 in reference to the evolving Covid-19 situation, the CGAO (after numerous discussions internally and with our key stakeholders) have undertaken a unique recommendation to our members to Temporarily Cease Operations until the health conditions/situation eases in the province.

It has been encouraging that within 24hrs of our Board making that recommendation, all CGAO Member, Gaming Centres, had ceased operating or were in the process of winding down their operations.  

The CGAO had to take into consideration its core constituents - Our Staff Members, Our Charities Members, Our Customers, Our Partners and Our Suppliers, while balancing this against the greater community good, based on the announcement of the Chief Medical Officer. 

The leadership was undertaken by the Delta Gaming Group, who were one of the first (Ontario) Gaming Companies to make the hard decision to temporarily close operations and we wanted to acknowledge their actions at that critical point. The Chair of the CGAO, Mr. Tony Rosa, said when he defined the situation as People over Profit, this made our decision easier and allowed everyone to focus on the important issue before us, the health & welfare of all our stakeholders.

We are, like most, hoping this is a temporary closure for a limited period, However, we are in regular contact with key stakeholders daily and assessing the situation based on current and updated information as it is being released. 

We will be keeping our members updated through our Members Bulletins as we go forward.

1535 – Conference - Postponed

It has been announced that the Discovery (RG) Conference, set for the 14^th to 16^th April 2020, has been postponed until further notice.

1536 – PlaySmart – Building The Culture

We continue to encourage all members to build on their Social Responsibility (RG) Culture in their own Centres/Business. Within our sector we have seen strong engagement and alignment to Responsible/Healthy Play practices. It is important that we collectively continue to support and build on the foundation we have fostered over the last few years.

We see globally that this area of the business is evolving and we need to maintain a clear focus and commitment to the area. Our Chair & President has consistently directed us to undertake a balanced and measured approach to bring the sector along.

1537 – People On The Move

In February 2020, BCLC appointed Mr. Peter Ter Weeme – Vice President Social Purpose & Stakeholder Engagement. Peter has had a long career in the Social Purpose environment and brings all those experiences and knowledge to his new role.

The CGAO wish him every success in his new role as he goes forward.