Harness Racing British Columbia (HRBC) has launched a provide-wide MLA letter-writing campaign, urging members of the harness racing industry to inform their Member of the Legislative Assembly of the devastating impacts of the Government of British Columbia's decision to end all slot-machine revenue for horse racing effective Jan. 31, 2026.
In a letter penned to the horse racing industry in B.C. on Tuesday, Nov. 25, the provincial government revealed that the support racing received from expanded gaming will cease in 2026. On Friday, Dec. 5, Hastings Racecourse announced the end of live thoroughbred racing at the Vancouver oval effective immediately.
Details on HRBC's letter-writing campaign are available below.
Provide-wide MLA Letter Writing Campaign
We are reaching out today with urgency and a united purpose.
As many of you are aware, the province has announced its intention to end all slot-machine revenue for horse racing effective January 31, 2026. This decision places the future of British Columbia’s racing industry and equine sector in immediate jeopardy. Thousands of workers, families, farms, breeders, trainers, veterinarians and related agricultural businesses stand to be directly affected.
To ensure our voices are heard, we are launching a province-wide MLA Letter-Writing Campaign, and we need your help. Please take a few minutes to contact your MLA and share how this decision impacts you, your horses, your livelihood and your community.
Below are the steps and template to make this process quick and effective:
STEP 1 – Find Your MLA
Visit the B.C. Legislative Assembly website:
https://www.leg.bc.ca/members
STEP 2 – Locate Their Contact Information
Use the postal code lookup tool on the page.
Enter your postal code; your MLA’s name, riding and email address will appear.
STEP 3 – Draft And Send Your Email
Copy and personalize the template below.
Be sure to CC all elected officials listed at the end of the letter.
MLA LETTER TEMPLATE
[DATE]
[Your MLA]
[Address] (if mailing)
— or simply paste directly into your email —
Subject Line: Urgent: Request for Your Support to Protect Horse Racing in British Columbia
Dear [MLA Name],
[Choose one opening line]
I am writing as a constituent and as someone whose work and livelihood is directly tied to British Columbia’s horse racing and equine sector.
OR
I am writing as a constituent and as an avid fan whose connection to and support for British Columbia’s horse racing and equine sector run deep.
The recent decision by the Province to end all slot-machine revenue for horse racing as of January 31, 2026, has sent shockwaves through our industry and our community.
Horse racing in B.C. is a 133-year-old industry, and this two-month notice effectively pulls the rug out from under thousands of workers, owners, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, feed suppliers, agricultural businesses and rural communities that rely on this sector. Many have built their lives and family businesses around this work.
The slot-revenue commitment was originally created by the Province when it expanded gaming to ensure the horse racing industry would remain viable. It was not a subsidy; it was a structural commitment that people in this industry reasonably relied on in good faith. To see it withdrawn with virtually no warning is devastating.
Multi-year breeding investments made in 2023, 2024 and 2025 are now at risk. Many workers in this sector are self-employed and will not qualify for Employment Insurance if racing collapses.
In my case: [Insert a short personal note: your role, your horses, your farm, your family involvement, how long you’ve participated or recent investments you’ve made.]
Beyond Thoroughbred racing at Hastings in Vancouver, the Standardbred sector has been working in good faith to relocate racing to the Southern Interior, engaging with municipal partners and agricultural operators. This announcement has blindsided those partners, casting serious doubt on whether B.C. can sustain any form of racing at all.
The consequences of this decision are far-reaching:
- Loss of hundreds of B.C. agricultural jobs
- Significant impacts on rural economies and small businesses
- Uncertainty for breeders committed to multi-year cycles
- Loss of an iconic sport and cultural tradition in our province
I am asking for your support in urging government to begin discussions toward a responsible transition plan that reflects the scale and importance of a 133-year-old industry.
This request does not require new or additional funding — only a reasonable alignment of timing to avoid unnecessary harm.
B.C.’s horse racing industry deserves a fair and responsible solution, not a sudden, destabilizing decision that leaves workers and families behind.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[City / Address]
[Phone]
[Email]
cc:
Hon. Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Service & Solicitor General
Hon. Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food
Hon. Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance
Hon. David Eby, Premier of British Columbia
MLA Ian Paton, Opposition Agriculture Critic
(With files from HRBC)