A full board of the HBPA met on Thursday at a hastily-convened meeting to discuss this week’s shattering news, sent by letter, that despite previous assurances to the contrary, the B.C Government was intent on withdrawing Casino slots revenue from horse racing.
The letter was written and signed by Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General for the Province of B.C., and sent to representatives from both the thoroughbred and harness racing sectors.
HBPA vice president Denise Praill and TRBC trustee Gary Johnson gave a brief overview of their short meeting with Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Nina Krieger, where the Government’s position was revealed.
Denise and Gary made the Minister aware of their frustration and displeasure and suggested to the HBPA board that racing had undoubtedly been strung along for the past few months. Racing’s lobbying partners, Strategies 360, was similarly shocked by the announcement and the way that it was delivered.
Gary Johnson added that the BC Agricultural Counsel was informed on Wednesday, a full day before racing was told of the decision and it, in turn, informed Harness Racing BC. This, the board agreed, strongly suggested the decision had been passed through government caucus and that all ministers were made aware of the impending announcement.
What Was Discussed
The board discussed potential responses, including negotiating for a longer transition period, exploring alternative locations, and pursuing a spring racing meet before the May 9th lease expiration. The board agreed to engage with government officials next week, while preparing public communications about the situation and reconvening to discuss next steps.
What Happens Next
The HBPA, along with Strategies 360, will next week push the government to provide a longer off-ramp of the funding, seeking an 18-month delay of the funding cutoff.
HBPA president David Milburn said he had already broached the idea of a spring meet to Great Canadian, with a possible short term lease extension to allow us to get at least a partial meet before FIFA World Cup.
However, Milburn cautioned that GCE was not particularly receptive to the idea. The Board, however, agreed that this push was important. A proposal will be put to Great Canadian before Wednesday’s Horse Race Management Committee meeting.
The HBPA, in conjunction with Strategies 360, was already preparing a detailed memorandum for distribution, laying out the government’s betrayal of racing in British Columbia and the devastating impact on the industry. A copy of that memorandum appears below.
The HBPA board will meet again on Thursday, December 4, to assess the state of play and discuss next steps.
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