“ It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
I believe this quote from late United States President Harry Truman summarizes our opportunity, and perhaps a challenge, as we look forward to the next year in Canadian harness racing. We have the opportunity to forge new partnerships with the many new governments, both Federal and Provincial, elected in the past twenty four months, with another election completed by the time you are reading this, in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Collectively, the breeding and racing of horses in Canada means tens of thousands of jobs, and millions of dollars in economic impact. Our story is an important one, with the reach of Canadian racing stretching from small farms across rural Canada to some of the largest public entertainment facilities in each province.
We all have a role to play in telling that story, especially to our governments. We can all be ambassadors for our industry, and when given the opportunity, tell our neighbors, community organizations, and elected officials at all levels, of the importance of horse racing.
In order to be most effective, we need to be united, and speak with one common voice. In some jurisdictions, the voice of horse racing has been splintered, and in others, muted by lack of government attention. Let us resolve to work collectively in 2016 to address this issue. It is a time to heal any wounds in our industry and its organizations, not settle old scores.
Please get informed and get involved in your local horsepersons groups. All voices and all ideas are needed as we chart the new course forward for Canadian horse racing.
In early November, TROT Insider carried a story and picture of our newly elected Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau attending the ice races on the Rideau Canal in 1979. As a then seven year old, Mr. Trudeau was with his father and two brothers enjoying a very unique event which brought horse racing to a new venue. This story received significant social media distribution and comment, and indicates that you never know how our industry can have a positive impact. (The photo and story can also be found in this issue on page 20).
On the National level we also have a new Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Hon. Lawrence MacAulay. In his role Mr. MacAulay is Minister Responsible for the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA), which operates under his Department. The CPMA has been a long time partner with our industry, as it conducts its duties under Federal legislation in regulating horse racing and wagering activities.
Hailing from Prince Edward Island, Mr. MacAulay is very aware of harness racing, and has made many friends and received good counsel from many in our industry, including the late Louis McIsaac. On behalf of Standardbred Canada, welcome to your new role Minister MacAulay, and we all look forward to working with you and your colleagues to build a brighter future for Canadian horse racing.