Subscribe to our Newsletter

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Support for the Horse-Racing Industry

Ms Blakeman:

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. With the closure of Stampede Park and the indefinite postponement of the Balzac track, we are now down to one class A horse-racing track, located at Northlands in Edmonton. My questions are to the Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. What is the justification for allocating the same amount of money to Horse Racing Alberta when it has one-third as much racing activity as before?

Mr. Blackett:

Well, Mr. Speaker, it’s pretty simple. We entered into a 10-year agreement with Horse Racing Alberta. It’s a legal contract, and we believe in honouring our obligations.

Ms Blakeman:

So the minister is telling us that even if there is no horse racing going on, because I’m told that horse races are costing Edmonton Northlands money, and they would like to get out of that particular business, they will continue to put money into Horse Racing Alberta when there are no horse races going on in Alberta?

Mr. Blackett:

Well, Mr. Speaker, everybody in this Legislature should know that the government is undergoing the budget process right now. We have said, our Premier has said that all things that we have in this government are on the table. We are taking a look at those in terms of spending, so we will take a look at that.

Ms Blakeman:

Well, let me make a suggestion. How about if the minister pulls the plug and reallocates this money to some sectors that are growing, unlike horse racing, sectors like arts, culture, cultural industries, sport, or recreation?

Mr. Blackett:

I should tell the hon. member, Mr. Speaker, the people from PACE have already left here. The hon. member knows full well that the money that comes through Horse Racing Alberta is derived out of slot revenue that is located at the racetracks. It’s a flow through where 15 per cent of the net proceeds are allocated to the track operators, and 51 and two thirds per cent of the net proceeds are returned to the horse-racing industry, and they’re used for breeding programs, marketing, and purse enhancement.

Right now, as I said before, Mr. Speaker, we are re-evaluating. If she has any further questions, she may want to direct them to the Solicitor General.