On Wednesday, November 18, Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa introduced Bill 144, the Budget Measures Act, 2015 in the Ontario legislature. If passed, the proposed act would implement measures contained in the 2015 Ontario Budget, enact five new statutes and amend other statutes.
The bill contains the Horse Racing Licence Act, 2015.
The Act would integrate horse racing and gaming regulation under the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and dissolve the Ontario Racing Commission. The Act would also empower the Licence Appeal Tribunal to deal with appeals relating to horse racing licensing. It would also establish a new Horse Racing Appeal Panel to adjudicate suspected breaches of the rules. Also, it would allow the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, through the Registrar of Alcohol, Gaming and Racing, to make rules for horse racing, racetracks and off-track betting facilities in Ontario, and enable the Registrar to issue, suspend and revoke licences for jockeys, trainers, grooms and other horse racing professionals.
To view the contents of Bill 144, the Budget Measures Act, 2015, in its entirety, click here.
The contents of the bill that pertain to horse racing specifically are outlined below.
ONTARIO LOTTERY AND GAMING CORPORATION ACT, 1999
-
Authorizes the Minister of Finance to establish a grant program to support live horse racing in Ontario administered on the Minister's behalf by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation as the successor to the Horse Racing Partnership Funding Program.
HORSE RACING LICENCE ACT, 2015
-
Integrates horse racing and gaming regulation under the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and dissolves the Ontario Racing Commission.
-
Allows the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, through the Registrar of Alcohol, Gaming and Racing, to make rules for horse racing, race tracks and off-track betting facilities in Ontario, and enables the Registrar to issue, suspend and revoke licences for jockeys, trainers, grooms and other horse racing professionals.
-
Establishes a new Horse Racing Appeal Panel to adjudicate suspected breaches of the rules.
-
Empowers the Licence Appeal Tribunal to deal with appeals relating to horse racing licensing.