To enhance a coordinated governance approach during the soft merger period, there have been positive changes to the makeup of the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) and Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) Boards.
The Government of Ontario appointed ORC Chair Elmer Buchanan to the Board of the AGCO for a period of one year, effective July 22, 2015. Eleanor Meslin, Chair of the AGCO Board, has been named an ex-officio member of the ORC Board.
Also effective July 22, 2015, Anthony Williams, Vice Chair of the ORC Board has been cross-appointed to the AGCO Board. S. Grace Kerr, Vice Chair of the AGCO Board has been cross-appointed to the ORC Board.
The Government of Ontario also reappointed ORC Commissioner Sandra J. Meyrick for a period of one year, effective August 7, 2015.
“The merger of the AGCO and ORC is an important element of the government’s plan to integrate horse racing into Ontario’s gaming strategy,” said Buchanan. “It not only confirms the government’s commitment to horse racing, the result will mean an integrated regulatory model, utilizing best practices.”
Subject to the Legislature’s approval, it is anticipated that the formal merger of ORC regulatory functions with the AGCO will come into effect on April 1, 2016.
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