The Prince Edward Island government will be contributing $1.0 million this year to support the harness racing industry in the province. The announcement was made today by Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill. The contribution will cover all aspects of the industry, including the Atlantic Sire Stakes, purse pools for the Charlottetown and Summerside tracks and the province's share of the operation of the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission.
"I have asked the new Prince Edward Island Harness Racing Industry Association to coordinate a planning process for the allocation of funds," said Mr. Hammill. "The Association is currently developing a long-term business plan for harness racing, and I look forward to working with them to assure the long term-future of this important industry."
Last week, the Nova Scotia government also committed $1.0 million for harness racing in that province. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation has said it will no longer be directly funding the harness racing industry in the region as it has done the last three seasons.
Mr. Hammill said the harness racing industry provides significant employment and other economic benefits to the province, including suppliers of goods and services, and is an important component of the tourist industry. He said horse owners have also made major investments in their breeding programs.
"As a government, we are committed to supporting the industry in its goal to rebuild and return to self-sufficiency," said Mr. Hammill.
The harness racing season opens on May 6 in Charlottetown and on June 7 in Summerside.