B.C. disbands racing commission

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - The British Columbia Racing Commission board of commissioners has been dismissed, and the administration of horse racing will now fall under the jurisdiction of the B.C. Lottery Corp., according to Rich Coleman, solicitor general of British Columbia.

"Currently gaming is overseen by five agencies," said Coleman. "We're improving the framework with two strong, cohesive bodies that will eliminate duplication while ensuring strict accountability."

The reduction in bureaucracy may make it easier for the government to take action on issues facing the horse racing industry in British Columbia, including the possible sale of Hasting Park to the Woodbine Entertainment Group.

The five agencies previously responsible for gaming - the B.C. Racing Commission, Gaming Policy Secretariat, B.C. Gaming Commission, Gaming Audit and Investigation Office, and the B.C. Lottery Corp - will be consolidated into two. These agencies will be the gaming policy and enforcement division under the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, and the B.C. Lottery Corp. The Racing Commission board is being replaced with three senior government staff, chaired by acting deputy solicitor general Alison MacPhail.