It has been announced that the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission could possibly be renamed in order to incorporate the addition of Newfoundland and Labrador to the commission.

The Province of Nova Scotia introduced amendments to the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission Act today (Wednesday, October 8). Administrative changes include renaming the commission the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission; increasing its membership from six to eight to include two representatives from Newfoundland and Labrador; and adjusting requirements for quorum to reflect the increased number of members.

The Province of Nova Scotia has announced that New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island will also have to amend legislation, and Newfoundland and Labrador will need to introduce new legislation, before the amendments can be proclaimed.

"Nova Scotia is laying the groundwork to grant a request from the province of Newfoundland and Labrador to become part of the commission," Nova Scotia Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell said. "When all provinces in Atlantic Canada have made the necessary legislative changes there will be one organization to promote and regulate harness racing for the Atlantic provinces."

The Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission was established by the Council of Maritime Premiers in 1994 to regulate the industry in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

(With files from the Province of Nova Scotia)