Kathleen Wynne, Letter To The Editor: Ontario's Horse Racing Industry.

The new Ontario government believes in a strong, sustainable future for the horse racing industry in this province. We have a plan, guided by the report of the Horse Racing Industry Transition Panel, for a way forward that will put the industry on a sustainable path – and while we’ve already made a lot of progress, we know there is more work to be done.

We have committed up to $180 million to support the industry over the next three years as it adapts to a smaller and more sustainable model. Agreements for transition funding have been signed with 12 racetracks and there will be horse racing at 15 tracks right across the province this season. Details about those agreements are publicly available on the Ministry of Agriculture and Food website.

Last week, I was happy to announce that the government would support the Horse Improvement Program – which will total up to $30 million in each of the next two years – to give Ontario’s vibrant racehorse breeding industry the confidence that there is a future here for Ontario-bred racehorses.

The Horse Racing Transition Panel has spent hundreds of hours working with stakeholders. In their report, they recommended a new market-driven model that works for the industry and is good public policy. This model will include integrating horse racing with the modernization of the province’s gaming strategy, which will provide additional revenue sources for racetracks.

I have asked the Panel to consult with industry over the summer and to present a detailed a plan for the future of horseracing in Ontario by October 2013 that would see the industry take ownership for its long term future success. Those consultations will begin on June 21^st, and I encourage everyone who has an interest to share their views.

I know how important the horse racing and breeding industries are to the culture and economy of communities across Ontario, and that is why our government will continue to work with the industry to ensure that it has a strong, sustainable future.

- Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Agriculture and Food

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Welcome to
Ontario Agriculture

Sign Up
or Sign In

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Ag in Gotham City

Some Batman connections to agriculture for Batman Day

Four Saskatchewan Growers Acclaimed to SaskOilseeds Board

SaskOilseeds has verified four eligible nominations for four available positions on its Board of Directors following the close of the 2026 call for nominations. With the number of eligible nominees equal to the number of available positions, all four nominees have been acclaimed and will renew or begin their terms following the SaskOilseeds Annual General Meeting in January 2027. The strong interest shown by Saskatchewan oilseed growers reflects the commitment of producer leaders to advancing research, advocacy, and market development on behalf of the province’s canola and flax sectors. SaskOilseeds extends its appreciation to all growers who participated in the nomination process and to those who put their names forward for consideration. Congratulations to the following individuals who have been acclaimed and will join or continue on the SaskOilseeds Board of Directors: Additional biographical information about each acclaimed director will be shared soon. SaskOilseeds is governed

Trade with the U.S.

Importance of the U.S. market The U.S. remains one of canola’s most important and long-standing markets, valued at $5.7 billion in 2025. Developments in the Canada–U.S. trade relationship are therefore a key concern for Saskatchewan canola farmers. While tariff uncertainty continues to affect markets, canola seed, oil and meal remain eligible for tariff-free trade with the U.S. under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). SaskOilseeds continues to work with national industry partners to advocate for the agreement, preserve tariff-free market access and support mutually beneficial trade. Free and open trade benefits both countries The North American canola industry is highly integrated, creating value across the supply chain on both sides of the border. The U.S. is Canada’s leading canola market and the largest export destination for Canadian canola oil and meal. In the U.S., Canadian canola industry contributes $11.2 billion USD in economic activity and supports 22,000

Keeping Canada Competitive: Why Gate Matters

Canada’s cereals sector leads Canadian agricultural exports, exporting wheat, barley, oats, and durum to more than 80 countries around the world. These exports contribute approximately $12.8 billion annually to the Canadian economy. This success did not happen by chance. It reflects decades of investment, innovation, and collaboration across the value chain. From plant breeders and life science companies to farmers, grain handlers, and exporters, thousands of Canadians work every day to develop, produce, and deliver high-quality grain that meets the evolving needs of global customers. Canada is a global leader today but maintaining that position will require continued commitment and investment. Sustaining Growth in a Competitive Global Market The cereals sector has been a significant driver of economic growth, achieving an average annual growth rate of 3.6% over the past decade. If that trend continues, export value could increase from $12.8 billion in 2025 to an estimated $18.3 bi

Inspiring USask alumni to be honoured with achievement awards

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of the Alumni Achievement Awards, one of the university’s highest honours. “On behalf of the USask community, I extend our congratulations to this year’s exceptional award winners,” said USask President and Vice-Chancellor Vince Bruni-Bossio (MBA’10, PhD’21). “USask is proud to have more than 180,000 alumni living in 130 countries around the world. Our Alumni Achievement Award recipients exemplify the remarkable contributions that USask alumni are making every day, and their innovation, determination, and dedication inspires us all.” Alumni Achievement Awards are presented each year to outstanding USask alumni who have made an impact on their communities and around the world. The award recipients are nominated by their peers and are chosen based on their achievements, commitment to excellence, community engagement, leadership, and contributions to the wellbeing of society. “This year’s Alumni Achievem

More…

Badges | Report an Issue | Terms of Service