Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission

The purpose of the commission is to regulate and oversee the harness racing industry throughout the maritime provinces.

What is the function of the commission?

The Commission may:

• (a) govern, regulate and supervise harness racing in all of its forms relevant and related to pari-mutuel betting;
• (b) govern, regulate and supervise the operation of race tracks;
  • (b.1) govern and regulate inter-track betting, separate pool betting, foreign race inter-track betting, and foreign race separate pool betting in accordance with the Pari-Mutuel Betting Supervision Regulations made pursuant to the Criminal Code (Canada);
  • (b.2) recommend home market areas to the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency for the purpose of telephone account betting in accordance with the Pari-Mutuel Betting Supervision Regulations made pursuant to the Criminal Code (Canada);
  • (b.3) establish uniform rules for the conduct of harness racing;
• (c) license track operators and impose such terms and conditions on a license as the Commission considers appropriate;
• (d) license owners, trainers, drivers, grooms and such other persons in or about race tracks, and impose such terms and conditions on a license, as the Commission considers appropriate;
• (e) on written application to the Commission by the person affected, revoke, suspend or vary a term or condition imposed on a license by the Commission;
• (f) fix and collect fees or other charges for licenses and prescribe the form of licenses and the conditions under which licenses may be issued;
• (g) refuse the granting of any license; and
• (h) make, adopt or incorporate by reference rules for the conduct of harness racing.

Primary Role:  Adjudicative

Material Role:

• Strategic Development 
• Managerial/Oversight

How many people are on the commission?

The Commission consists of six members of whom two shall be nominated by the Lieutenant Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister.

What are the requirements of commission members?

Work & Experience Requirements
Experience with the harness racing industry.

Skills Required
Tribunal skills.

What are the nomination requirements?

Statutory Nomination Requirements
The Lieutenant Governor in Council shall appoint all members.

Will I get paid?

Chair - $113/diem and Members - $73/diem

What is the time commitment of the commission?

Meetings occur fairly frequently.

The members of the Commission hold office for such term, not exceeding three years, as is determined at the time of appointment. A member is eligible for reappointment but no member shall serve for a continuous period exceeding nine years. Meetings may occur outside of PEI.