Help Us Save Racing in B.C.

What you can do to help make sure the provincial government knows just how important our industry is to the cultural fabric of British Columbia

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Dear Friends,

In light of the government’s decision, please take a few minutes to find the email address of your local MLA and email them a letter about how you feel about the government’s recent announcement.

Step 1

Find your local MLA, go to this website: www.leg.bc.ca/members 

Step 2

In the postal code finder type in your postal code.

Your local MLA’s contact information will appear, including their email address.

Step 3

Draft and send your comments to your local MLA representative. A template email example is shared below with information on the current circumstances.

Please be sure to cc all of the elected officials at the end of the letter in your email, too.

Letter/Email Template:

December 2, 2025

[Your MLA]

[Address] or if you are sending via email – copy/paste the note below

Subject: Urgent: Request for Your Support to Protect Horse Racing in British Columbia

Dear [insert your MLA Name (find your MLA in Step 1 above)

[Choose an opening sentence that reflects your situation: I am writing as a constituent and as someone whose work and livelihood is directly tied to British Columbia’s horse racing and equine sector. OR  I am writing as a constituent and as an avid fan whose connection to and support for British Columbia’s horse racing and equine sector run deep.] The recent decision by the Province to end all slot-machine revenue for horse racing as of January 31, 2026 has sent shockwaves through our industry and our community.

Horse racing in B.C. is a 133-year-old industry, and this two-month notice effectively pulls the rug out from under thousands of workers, owners, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, feed suppliers, and agricultural businesses and rural communities that rely on this sector. Many have built their lives and family businesses around this work.

The slot-revenue commitment was originally created by the Province when it expanded gaming, as a way to ensure the horse racing industry would remain viable. It was not a subsidy; it was a structural commitment that people in this industry reasonably relied on in good faith. To see it withdrawn with virtually no warning is devastating.

Multi-year breeding investments, made in 2023, 2024, and 202, are now in jeopardy. Many workers in this industry are self-employed and will not qualify for Employment Insurance if racing collapses.

In my case: [Insert a short personal note here – e.g., your role, your horses, your family connection, how long you’ve been involved, or any investments you have made.]

Beyond Thoroughbred racing at Hastings in Vancouver, the Standardbred sector has been actively working to relocate racing to the Southern Interior. Municipal partners and agricultural operators were engaged in good-faith discussions. Those partners have now been blindsided, casting doubt on whether B.C. can sustain any form of racing at all.

The consequences of this decision are far-reaching:

Loss of hundreds of B.C. agricultural jobs

Significant impacts on rural economies and small businesses

Uncertainty for breeders already committed to multi-year cycles

Loss of an iconic sport and cultural tradition in our province

I am asking for your support in urging government to begin discussions toward a responsible transition plan that reflects the scale and importance of a 133-year-old industry.

This request does not require new or additional funding, only an alignment of timing to avoid unnecessary harm.

B.C.’s horse racing industry deserves a fair and responsible solution, not a sudden, destabilizing decision that leaves workers and families behind.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Address / City]

[Your Phone]

[Your Email]

cc: Hon. Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Service & Solicitor General

Hon. Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food

Hon. Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance

Hon. David Eby, Premier of British Columbia

MLA Ian Paton, Opposition Agriculture Critic