A review of the Maritime Harness Racing Commission released today supports a continued role for the Commission in the region's harness racing industry and recommends it have a stronger regulatory focus and a clearer mandate to ensure the integrity of the industry and safety of participants.
Conducted by Matrix Consulting, the review of the relative roles of the Commission and the Atlantic Lottery Corporation in regulating, promoting and marketing harness racing in the region was undertaken at the request of the ministers responsible for the Commission last January.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill, joined by his Maritime counterparts Ernest Fage of Nova Scotia and Finance Minister Norman Betts of New Brunswick, said the review was another step in continually improving the integrity of the industry and supports clarification and redirection of the Commission's role.
"We believe the review of these recommendations will help strengthen a positive relationship between the Commission, the Atlantic Lottery Corporation and the harness racing industry," said Mr. Hammill. "For the industry to succeed, the credibility of the Commission and the integrity of harness racing are paramount."
Mr. Hammill also noted that the review will be helpful to the Atlantic Lottery Corporation as its role in the region's harness racing industry is evaluated. Recommendations include:
- the Commission focus solely on regulation of live racing and be directly responsible for all aspects of race officials;
- presentation of simulcast events should be the responsibility of ALC, with appropriate adherence to federal legal requirements;
- the development of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Commission and ALC to guide cooperation; and
- the ministers support and encourage the development of a strong regional industry association and a mechanism for industry to advise the Commission on rules review, monitoring, evaluation and improved communications, which was considered a high priority.
The ministers said they will be working with the Commission over the next several months to review the report's recommendations. During that time the Commission will be conducting business as usual.