The Council of Maritime Premiers is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. John Blakney to the position of Director of Racing of the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission (MPHRC), effective February 26, 2001. Mr. Blakney was appointed following an extensive search and interview process, and the Council is pleased to have attracted someone of Mr. Blakney's calibre.
Mr. Blakney is from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. He has served as Executive Director of the former Prince Edward Island Land Use Commission and as Vice-chair of the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission. Over the past three years, Mr. Blakney co-founded the Pacific Resources Centre for Multi-Party Resolutions in Vancouver, British Columbia – a non-profit organization that develops and practices methods for bringing diverse groups together to advance complex and sometimes controversial issues and policies. This work has primarily focused on natural resources, agricultural, and urban development matters.
Mr. Blakney's interest in the harness racing industry is founded on his involvement as a former single horse owner, groom, and trainer.
The MPHRC was established on April 1, 1994 to govern, supervise, control, and regulate harness racing and racetracks in the Maritime provinces, and operates out of Summerside, Prince Edward Island.