| CBC News LoadedA controversial ruling by the commission that governs harness racing in Atlantic Canada has prompted calls for more transparency and better oversight of an industry which receives millions of taxpayer dollars and gambling revenues each year.The four Atlantic provinces contribute a combined $400,000 each year to help with the commission's operating costs, plus additional funds to support the industry.
But the commission did hold Campbell responsible for the antihistamine detected in the other horse. It issued him a $750 fine and 34-day suspension, which included the 25 days he'd served leading up to the hearing. "I don't know that I've ever heard of a 34-day suspension. But 34 days conveniently brings you right up ... to the Breeder's Crown," said MacMillan, who lives on P.E.I.
"The Commission does not discuss or provide explanations of its decisions beyond the reasons contained in its rulings."" had already served a penalty on one Lasix offence, and purses were forfeited on three races, but he was ultimately determined not to have been at fault for those three overages, based on the evidence presented," the letter states.
"The still know how feels. They still know she's connected to that barn. So why they wouldn't want to handle it openly and honestly is beyond me. All they did was shoot themselves in the foot."Marc Campbell's lawyer, Jean-Marc MacKenzie, refutes the claim that his client was given special treatment.
"He was suspended without a hearing. He had headlines and all that. So what this guy was put through was anything but favourable treatment," said MacKenzie. The provinces each appoint two provincial representatives to the commission, partially fund its operations, and are supposed to ensure it meets the obligations laid out in the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission Act "to govern, regulate and ensure the integrity of harness racing in the Atlantic Provinces."
The spokesperson for P.E.I.'s Department of Finance said the issue hadn't been flagged due to "a number of turnovers in staff over the years," but added that the commission is working on its annual report submission. The council hasn't said whether it's requested annual reports from the commission. "It's time to have a look at your legislation because the industry has changed significantly since then. Have a look at best practices in other jurisdictions."
"The parties are entitled to know, win or lose, why it is the panel reached the decision it did. And of course the broader public needs to know that. We live or die on the confidence the public has in our processes," said Sadinsky. "Agreements are important to hold people accountable. It's taxpayers' money, and the government should be accountable to how that money's spent," Noonan said.