Ministers responsible for the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission from the three provincial governments have requested that the Council of Maritime Premiers review its role, mandate and operation. The announcement was made today by Prince Edward Island Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill following consultations with his regional counterparts.
"Many changes have taken place since the Commission was established five years ago, most notably the successful partnership with the Atlantic Lottery Corporation in the promotion and programming of harness racing in the region," said Mr. Hammill. "The industry supports the intent and purpose of the Commission and it is time to reinforce that through its review."
Mr. Hammill and his regional counterparts in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have also received a petition from horse owners expressing concerns about the way the Commission handled a recent incident during a racing event in Sydney. "People who have a concern deserve to be heard," he said. "My recommendation to the petitioners is to use the appeal process which is in place to deal with such matters."
Mr. Hammill said the incident and the Commission's response to it should be reviewed through the process defined in the legislation which established the Commission.
The minister said he and his colleagues in the other two provinces agree that the integrity of the harness racing industry must be paramount.
The review will begin in the near future.