“Our government has an impressive track record of stimulating economic activity in rural communities across Atlantic Canada. The Harness Racing Industry, which is deeply rooted in our history, is significantly linked to our region’s rural economy,” said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie. “This strategic investment for high-tech equipment supports the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Industry’s productivity and sustainability.”

With this one-time investment, the Commission has purchased for the industry high-tech race patrol and photo finish equipment enabling the East Coast to keep up with Industry standards. The technology provides video surveillance from multiple vantage points and precisely captures finishing positions. It also provides the necessary equipment to assist in the simulcast of live races on the Internet.

“Our harness racing industry is not only an integral part of the Island’s social fabric, but it also plays a significant role in our agriculture and tourism industries,” said the Honourable Wes Sheridan, Prince Edward Island’s Minister of Finance, Energy and Municipal Affairs. “Our continued investment in the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission is in recognition of what the industry adds to our economy, generating sales of more than $80 million to Island businesses and supporting an estimated 752 jobs.”

The new equipment is expected to be installed at each participating racetrack by Summer 2012. The eight participating tracks are: Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park; Red Shores at Summerside Raceway; Fredericton Raceway; Exhibition Park Raceway Saint John, NB; Truro Raceway; Inverness Raceway; and Northside Downs in North Sydney; and St. John’s Racing and Entertainment Centre.

“We are pleased to receive support from the federal government and the provincial governments through their industry associations, and Horse Racing New Brunswick in the province of New Brunswick, and also the private sector,” said Dr. Paul Hogan, Director of Racing, Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission. “This equipment is state-of-the-art and critical to the regulatory process helping to ensure integrity and public confidence which are essential for the ongoing sustainability of the harness racing industry in Atlantic Canada.”

The Government of Canada, through ACOA, has provided $416,900 towards the new equipment. The Governments of Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia each added $30,000 through their industry associations and HRNB. The St. John’s Racing and Entertainment Centre contributed to the project with an investment of $15,000.