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July 15, 2003
For immediate release

CDP GRANTED PERMISSION TO ALLOW FOR HARNESS RACING ON SUNDAY, JULY 20, 2003 - Charlottetown to Host Opening Leg of World Driving Championships

Office of the Attorney General

Attorney General Jeffrey E. Lantz announced today that Executive Council has approved amendments to the Retail Business Holidays Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. R-13.02, and accompanying Exemption Regulations to allow the Charlottetown Driving Park to hold a card of harness racing and pari-mutuel betting on Sunday, July 20, 2003.

"I am pleased that Prince Edward Island has been chosen as the opening leg of the World Driving Championships. It is wonderful to see this event return to Canada and it speaks volumes about our facilities and the calibre of racing available in the Maritime provinces to play host to such a prestigious event," says Attorney General Lantz. "I am confident that this event will provide many benefits to the tourism, entertainment and business sectors through increased traffic to the Charlottetown area."

The opening leg of the World Driving Championships is being held in conjunction with the World Trotting Conference taking place in Canada from July 24 to August 1, 2003. The last conference took place in 2001 in Finland, with Canada last hosting the event almost a decade ago. In 2001, former Nova Scotian Jody Jamieson won the conference in Finland and will represent Canada at this year's race.

The amendment sought through the Retail Business Holidays Act, is specifically outlined in the Exemption Regulations of the act. The act and regulations provide the Lieutenant Governor in Council with authority to authorize business on a Sunday or a holiday that is otherwise prohibited under the act. This amendment to allow the Charlottetown Driving Park to hold a card of pari-mutuel racing is valid on Sunday, July 20, 2003 as a one day event.

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Media Contact: Jennifer MacLeod
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