Finance
December 2, 2014
Supporting Business Diversity
Newfoundland and Labrador Joins Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission
The Provincial Government introduced legislation today to ensure the continuation of the sport of harness racing in Newfoundland and Labrador. The legislation, An Act Respecting the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission, will allow the province to join the Maritime Provinces in the renamed Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission.
“Diverse businesses and sports are important for the economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. We are pleased to join the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission, a move which will further support the sport of horse racing in this province. The proposed legislation will establish a harness racing authority to govern, regulate and ensure the integrity of harness racing.”
-The Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board
The sport of harness racing is a highly-regulated activity that involves federal and provincial oversight. The commission is the authority for regulating harness racing in the Atlantic region. Its mandate is to regulate horse racing, to protect the health, safety and welfare of horses, racing participants and racing officials, and to safeguard the interests of the sporting public. Standardbred Canada, based in Ontario, had provided oversight to the province but will end this service in 2015.
“The Newfoundland and Labrador Harness Horse Owners Association is very appreciative of government’s movement towards joining with the Maritime Provinces to form the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission. Harness racing has been operating in Newfoundland and Labrador for over 50 years. Government involvement and support shows they are committed to further enhance the future of our harness racing industry.”
- Aubrey Williams, President, Newfoundland and Labrador Harness Horse Owners Association
St. John’s Racing and Entertainment Centre Incorporated operates the province’s only harness race track facility, located in Goulds. The company offers the opportunity to place wagers on harness races conducted at its facility as well as on simulcast horse racing events from other facilities outside the province.
“St. John’s Racing and Entertainment Centre supports the move to join with the other Atlantic Provinces to form a single harness racing regulatory body. The harness racing industry has a long history in the province and we feel that there is tremendous opportunity for the industry to partner with government and grow the industry’s economic impact. Joining the commission is a major step forward for the horse racing industry in Newfoundland and Labrador and we are looking forward to a new era under a single Atlantic regulatory body and all it will bring to our industry.”
- Brett Whelan, General Manager, St. John’s Racing and Entertainment Centre
The Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission is an agency of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, which promotes Atlantic Canada issues on a national level. Membership on the commission will be increased from six to eight to include representatives from this province.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government introduced legislation governing harness racing in Newfoundland and Labrador that will have the province join the Maritime Provinces in the renamed the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission.
- The sport of harness racing is a highly regulated activity that involves federal and provincial oversight. The Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission is the authority for regulating harness racing in the Atlantic region.
- St. John’s Racing and Entertainment Centre Incorporated (STJRE) operates the province’s only harness race track facility, located in Goulds.
- STJRE offers the opportunity to place wagers on harness races conducted at its facility as well as on simulcast horse racing events from other facilities outside the province.
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Media contacts:
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John Tompkins Director of Communications Department of Finance 709-729-6830, 728-7762 jtompkins@gov.nl.ca |
Aubrey Williams President Newfoundland Harness Horse Owners Association 709- 685-3479 Williams2000ltd@yahoo.ca |
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Brett Whelan General Manager St. John’s Racing & Entertainment Centre 709-745-6550 stjre@stjre.com |
2014 12 02 4:30 p.m.