Standardbred Canada held a full Board meeting on April 30 in Mississauga, Ontario. President & CEO John Gallinger gave a very detailed report on the financial performance to date. The trend is continuing with declining membership and declining core revenues. Some of the auxiliary revenues are actually up. The Board didn’t make any changes to the budget as we are six months into the current fiscal term and felt it was unfair and impractical to change anything at the moment. The budget process for 2012 starts in July, at which time the Board will be providing budgetary guiding principles to Management.
The Taxation Committee, chaired by Dr. Maurice Stewart, has been diligently working on a plan to request to change Section 31 of Canada’s Income Tax Law. They have had several meetings and are moving forward now that the federal election has taken place. The By-Law Committee, chaired by Morag Watt, has met several times to date. They are reviewing the current by-laws and governance of Standardbred Canada.
Good news out of British Columbia. Racing will resume to two days a week for 10 months. I’m sure it’s not a perfect solution, but hopefully it will give the horse people encouragement to stay in the racing game.
In early May, the 2011 National Driving Championship was held at Red Shores Racetrack & Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park. Congratulations to Jody Jamieson, who will once again be representing Canada at the World Driving Championship. It was 10 years ago that Jody made Canada proud and won the title in Finland. Best of luck to Jody!
I would like to take this opportunity to wish our former Board member Chris Roberts all the best in his new position at Edmonton Northlands. Ontario’s loss is definitely Alberta’s gain. His openness, devotion and loyalty to horse racing has helped the Board over the last three years make decisions in these tough times. He always speaks with great knowledge and passion for horse racing. He has been very dedicated in trying to help the standardbred industry become a healthier and stronger environment. Chris will definitely be missed, not only by me as I call Chris a friend, but by the entire Board.
Tammy McNiven
SC Chair/President