The Prince Edward Island Harness Racing Industry Association (PEIHRIA) is a corporate body according to the statutes of the Province of Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Mission

Background

The PEIHRIA was formed in 1999 to provide a united approach to the industry and sport of harness racing on Prince Edward Island.
Its member organizations include :

-- The Charlottetown Driving Park
-- The Summerside Raceway
-- The PEI Standardbred Horseowners Association
-- The Prince County Horsemens Club
-- The Atlantic Standardbred Breeders Association
-- The Maritime Breeders Association
-- The PEI Colt Stakes Association
and other groups as may from time to time seem appropriate

The Board of Directors consists of representatives of the above groups as well as members at large with advisory input from the PEI Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Aquaculture, Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission, Standardbred Canada and Harness Racing PEI.

Objects And Purposes

-- To bring together representatives of organizations within the harness racing industry on Prince Edward Island to advocate on behalf of the industry and to advance its interests and the welfare of the industry as a whole.

-- To provide a forum for the exchange of information and informed opinion on all matters bearing on the conduct of the industry and its betterment, and to promote such common action as would secure its aims.

-- To provide a structure for cooperating with similar organizations elsewhere for the betterment of the industry, with particular attention to the industry in Atlantic Canada, and to officially represent the industry in any Maritime or Atlantic industry alliance.

-- To cooperate with and assist other organizations having authority in such matters in preparing an annual plan and schedule for racing events in the province, including among others the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission and Atlantic Lotto Corporation Harness Racing(while in existence), and securing its adoption by other racing interests.

-- To cooperate with racing officials and race track management, as required, in securing a classification system which reflects the interests of horseowners and patrons alike, and a purse structure which is consistent with performance levels required.

-- To monitor practices and behaviour on the part of owners, trainers, drivers, grooms, and officials in order to ensure the best possible racing product for patrons at each track, and to advocate such enhancements as may be warranted in each situation.

-- To ensure appropriate liaison with the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission in the latters exercise of its mandate and responsibilities in all matters for the betterment of the industry.

-- To propose and encourage the implementation of such changes to the harness racing product and its presentation to the public as will enable the industry to attract and retain new patrons and supporters.

-- To enter into any arrangement with any authority that may appear conducive to the objects of the Corporation or to obtain such rights or privileges which the Corporation may consider necessary to attain its objects.

-- To do all such other things as are incidental to or conducive to the attainment of the above objects.

Vision

The vision of the PEIHRIA is to strongly contribute to the social, moral, and economic well being of Prince Edward Island through a comprehensive approach to all aspects of the Harness Racing Industry.

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Gary Poulton - President
Earl Smith - Vice President
Blair Campbell - Treasurer
Norman Hall - Secretary
Dr. Erwin Howatt - Past President

Eric Johnston - Director
Jeremy Pierce - Director
Eldred Nicholson - Director
Ron Cobb - Director
Albert Bernard - Director
Tom Clark - Director
Norman Hall - Director

Finance Committee
Chair: Blair Campbell
     - Finance Committee includes Officers only

Purse Pool Committee
Chair: Eldred Nicholson
     Member: Gerard Smith, Kent Oakes

Stakes Committee
Chair: Dr. Erwin Howatt
     Members: Kent Oakes, Wayne Pike, George Riley, Art Millar

Atlantic Classic Sale Committee
Chair: Wally Wood
     Members: Bob Connelly, Allison Carr, Brian Andrew, Norman Hall, Blair Campbell, Jamie MacKinley, Fay Easter, Linda MacSwain, Kent Oakes, Wayne Pike

Classification Committee
Chair: Eric Johnston
     Members: Gary Poulton, Kent Oakes, Wayne Pike

Maritime Development Council Representatives
- George Riley
Wayne Pike, Kent Oakes

Ex Officio
Kent Oakes (PEI Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Aquaculture)
Patrick Murphy (Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission)
George Riley (Standardbred Canada)
Dr. Erwin Howatt (Harness Racing PEI)

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PEIHRIA Contact Information

420 University Avenue
Suite 204A
Charlottetown, PE
C1A 7Z5

Phone - (902) 569-1682
Fax - (902) 569-1827
Email - peracing@isn.net

Employee
Wayne Pike - Executive Director