Page 23 - April 2005 The Game

Your Thoroughbred Racing Community Newspaper
The Game, April 2005 23
HBPA Update
Workplace Safety Insurance Board & Canada Revenue Agency Share Information
Report from the Executive Director
It is with great pride that on
behalf of the HBPA of Ontario’s
Board of Directors, I wish to
announce that the HBPA and
Woodbine Entertainment Group
(WEG) have entered into a joint
venture agreement to build an
additional 36 rooms/ 72 bed
expansion on the new dormitory
on the east side of the Woodbine
backstretch. The construction of
the expansion will begin later this
year with an anticipated
completion date of February 2006.
This means that we will be able to
give an additional 72 new backstretch employees affordable housing prior to the beginning of racing next year. This joint initiative speaks to two substantive issues; first of all, the slots at racetrack program is continuing to show the trickle down effect by providing a higher affordable standard of living to those backstretch workers who continue to allow our industry to be one of the best racing jurisdictions in North America; and secondly, it shows the commitment both the HBPA and WEG have in continuing to create one of the best backstretch environments in the thorough- bred racing world. I would like to personally thank the former Senior Vice President of Racing, Mr. Hugh Mitchell, for working closely with the HBPA in turning this dream into a reality. Thank you Hugh, and thank you HBPA Board for getting this project underway.
The HBPA Board of Directors have recently passed two new positive changes to our benefit programs for 2005. Firstly, the Owner Awards program for Ontario breds will get a slight boost this year at Woodbine. For all Ontario bred horses who win a race at Woodbine, your award will now increase to $1,500 per win. At Fort Erie, the Board has been able to keep the program at the $1,000 per win level despite the reduction in the purse account. The Board
recognized that keeping the level the same at Fort Erie was important to the long term viability of the racing and breeding industry in Ontario. Secondly, the HBPA’s continued commitment to education has led to their decision to increase our education assistance program from $1,000 per year to $1,500 per year.
For those of you who are not familiar with the Educational Fund, the purpose of the fund is to encourage eligible candidates to further their education at a post
secondary institution. This assistance is one of the benefits of participation in thoroughbred racing in Ontario which is offered exclusively by the HBPA. To be eligible, the applicant may be: (a) a current member of the HBPA of Ontario (owner and / or trainer) with a minimum of five years of good standing in the Association, or (b) a person who has an ORC license and has worked in the thoroughbred racing industry on the backstretch in Ontario for the past three consecutive years.
Furthermore, an applicant may be the child or ward of: (a) a current member of the HBPA. The member must have a minimum of five years of good standing in the Association. (b) a person who has an ORC license and has worked in the thoroughbred racing industry for the past three consecutive seasons, and c) or is a child or ward of a deceased member of the HBPA. The member must have had a minimum of five years of good standing and have died while a member of the HBPA.
To qualify, the applicant must be registered as a full or part time student that leads to a recognized degree, diploma or certification from a recognized educational institution.
If you have any questions about either initiative, please drop me a line.
Executive Director Nick Coukos
Through a mutual agreement, the Workplace Safety Insurance Board of Ontario (WSIB) and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) have started to share informa- tion, enabling both organizations to track the registration status and accounts of employers.
When employers are registered with both organiza- tions, such programs can be administered consistently and fairly to everyone. It also means that employees are eli- gible for all the benefits and services to which they are entitled.
The CRA and the WSIB are now contacting employers who appear to be registered with only one organization.
If you are required to register and come forward vol- untarily, yu will not face any penalties. However, you will still have to make back payments and pay interest.
Canada Revenue Agency - Fact Sheet
Under federal tax laws, most employers need to regis- ter with the CRA
You are considered an employer if:
You pay a salary, wages (including advances) bonuses, vacation pay, or tips to your employees; or
You provide a benefit - such as board and lodging - to your employees.
A person is your employee if you hired that person nder a contract of service to perform services for you. Generally, an employer-employee relationship exists if you have the right to control and direct the person or peo- ple who perform the services for you.
You may also need to register with the CRA if you have taxable sales, are earning income as a corporation, or are engaged in import or export activities.
If you have any questions please call the CRA at 1-866- 432-6349 or you can register your business online at www.businessregistration.gc.ca
Record of Employment Forms Needed for Pension Plan
The HBPA has mailed out the Record of Employment Forms for 2004 to all Pension Plan members.
These forms are a necessary part of the pen- sion plan file and need to be completed and sent back to the HBPA administration office by April 30, 2005.
If the forms are not received by the HBPA by the end of April, your pension could be
suspended.
The HBPA reminds you to make sure the
form is filled out in its entirety and signed and witnessed before returning.
If you are a Pension Plan member and have not received a form or if you have questions or require assistance please contact your HBPA representatives at Woodbine or Fort Erie Racetracks or call 416-747-5252.
James (Jimmy) Anthony Copeland January 30, 1954 - March 23, 2005
Jimmy was a fixture at the racetrack. He started on the racetrack in 1973. Trainers he worked for include Bill Marko, Norman Bowles, Bernie Ottaway, Sue Regan and his mentor, Sovereign Award Winner, Phil England. Recently, Jimmy had success training in Fort Erie. He was a keen horseman and devoted friend to many. He is seen here in 2003 with one of his charges, Mystic Buck.
Jimmy passed away peacefully at Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga on Wednesday March 23, 2005 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was a proud member of the horse racing community and will be sadly missed by his family andfriends. Amemorialserviceisplannedforlaterinthespring in Fort Erie. Contact the HBPA office for more details.
Attention HBPA Benefit Plan Members
For those who take advantage of the HBPA Group Benefit Plan, which includes the Medical/Dental Plan, the HBPA now requires that a photocopy of your valid ORC license be on file each year.
A photocopy of your 2005 ORC license is required to be on file at the HBPA track or
administration office before May 1, 2005. Without a valid ORC license your benefit
coverage may be terminated.
For additional information please call the
administration office at 416-747-5252 or the backstretch office at Woodbine 416-675-3802 or Fort Erie 905-871-3200, ext. 3249.