Page 21 - The Game July 2006

Your Thoroughbred Racing Community Newspaper
The Game, July 2006 21
HBPA of Ontario
HBPA Update
HBPAAdministrativeOffices:135Queen’sPlateDrive,Suite370,Toronto,ON,M9W6V1 phone:416-747-5252
Report from the Executive Director
ELECTION REMINDER
Tuesday, September 5, 2006 is Election Day
The time seems to pass us by in an industry that is ever evolving and faces new challenges on a constant basis. It has been three (3) years gone by and it is again election time here at the HBPA of Ontario. The challenges the new Board will face will be, by and large, quite different than the election platforms raised in the 2003 election.
Nevertheless, I urge all members to exercise there democratic right to vote this summer.
Why? Because elections are the
central institution of democratic representation. In a democracy, the
authority of the institution derives solely from the consent of the governed. The principle mechanism for translating that consent into authority is the holding of free and fair elections. The universal acceptance of elections as a tool for selecting representatives is in sharp contrast with the practice in the democratic archetype, ancient Athens, where elections were considered an oligarchic institution and where most political offices were filled using sortition.
In all democratic elections, a high turnout rate shows an interest the future. Without such interest, the future of any result would be in jeopardy.
To appreciate the importance of such request, let’s understand who we are and what we do:
The HBPA of Ontario was created in the 1940’s to represent the interests of the thoroughbred horsemen in Ontario. Currently, the HBPA of Ontario represents over 3,000 members who race, own and train thoroughbred horses in the province. The HBPA’s main purpose is to enhance the quality of our industry in any and all of its forms.
Specifically, the HBPA provides: hearing representation, insurance, a pension plan, a
medical/dental plan, educational assistance, owners awards, etc. etc..
The HBPA Board has always been democratically elected from its membership. To be a member of the HBPA you must be either and Owner or a Trainer.
An Owner is defined as an “owner of a registered thoroughbred race horse, who is currently, or was during the preceding twelve (12) months, licensed as such by the Ontario Racing Commission, and who has either started a thoroughbred race horse in the current or prior year or applied for
membership in the HBPA. A Trainer is defined in the same manner except for a six (6) month condition.
The number of Directors to be elected in 2006 is eleven (11). Six (6) Owners and five (5) Trainers. Section 1.5 of the HBPA by-laws state that “any person who is both an Owner and a Trainer shall be deemed to be a Trainer”.
The elected Directors will become the front line horsemen representatives to the industry as a whole. Although the HBPA of Ontario represents the thoroughbred horsemen in the province, at any given time, the HBPA of Ontario will be comprised of different individuals who have been democratically elected by their peers. In other words, although the name of the entity remains the same, “the HBPA of Ontario”, the individuals who make up the Board will change in accordance with the will of the membership. This is why it is so important that we as a group decide on such a matter with conviction.
Again, I urge ALL members to exercise their democratic right to vote and ensure the future sustainability and growth of the Ontario thoroughbred industry.
Toronto & Fort Erie – Ontario Horsemen will be electing 11 Directors (6 Owners/5 Trainers) for a new three-year term effective at the Annual General Meeting Thursday, September 28, 2006. Nominations close at noon, Tuesday, July 4, 2006.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Must be a member in good standing, who is currently, or was during the preceding 12 months (6 months for Trainer), licensed as such by the ORC and has started a thoroughbred race horse in the current or prior year or applied for membership in the HBPA.
• Must be 18 years or older
• Must be a resident of Ontario for the preceding year
• Must not work or serve on a board for a racing association,
racetrack operator, horse breeding association or be a member of a racing commission
A nominating committee is currently preparing a list of possible nominees, which will be filed with the Association’s Executive Director/Secretary Treasurer by noon, July 4, 2006.
Additional candidates may be nominated by a petition form available at HBPA offices at Fort Erie and Woodbine, signed by at least fifteen H.B.P.A members. Deadline for filing with either track office (Fort Erie or Woodbine) or Head Office is also noon, July 4, 2006.
Ballots are expected to be mailed about July 31, 2006.
NICK COUKOS
Executive Director/Secretary Treasurer The HBPA of Ontario
Executive Director Nick Coukos
Holly Dapp fund raiser a Huge Success
A special fund raising Golf Tournament was held in honour of injured exercise rider, Holly Dapp, on Friday, June 16 at the I.C.C. Golf Course in Fort Erie.
The weather was perfect as more than 100 golfers tee-ed off to raise close to $8000 which will be benefit Holly to help with expenses while she continues to recover from her injuries.
A steak dinner proceeded the golf with another 60 supporters joining the group.
The door prize winners a customized horse art piece were David Burns, Chad Beckon, Diana Harris and Louie Capi. Thank you to Tom Gostlin for organizing the draw.
A special thank you goes out to Bryan Belanger and Dave Walpole for organizing the event as well as a thank you to the many local businesses for their generous support.
Health & Safety Employee Handbooks & First Aid Courses
Attention all trainers!
The Health and Safety Employees Handbooks are available for pick-up at the HBPA Backstretch Offices. It is strongly recommended that these books are picked up and your employees review the contents as soon as possible to remain in compliance with the Health and Safety Act.
More Employees still needed for First Aid Training
Another requirement of the Health and Safety Act is that 140 backstretch employees must be trained in basic First Aid. This is part of a special agreement which has been reached with the Health and Safety Board and to avoid reneging on this agreement we need more volunteers.
If anyone is interested in taking the First Aid course please sign up at the HBPA Backstretch Office.
Changes to HBPA Backstretch Picnic at Woodbine
HBPA Subsidized Daycare
2006 Trainer Testing
The HBPA Annual Backstretch Picnic at Woodbine has been postponed this year due to the scheduled construction in the area of the East Gate at Woodbine Racetrack this summer.
The last Assistant Trainer/Trainer testing of 2006 scheduled for both Woodbine and Fort Erie will be in September. Completed applications are due no later than 3pm on September 4.
For more information contact the HBPA Backstretch Office at Woodbine 416-675-3802 or Fort Erie 905-871-3200, ext. 3249.
Get Ready for Some Fun at Fort Erie Backstretch Picnic!
Fort Erie’s Backstretch Picnic at Sherkston Shores once again
The popular HBPA Annual Backstretch Picnic for Fort Erie will once again be held at Sherkston Shores.
This year’s picnic is scheduled for Thursday, August 17, rain or shine. Tickets will be available at the HBPA backstretch office during the first week of August.
Any backstretch employee who is interested in subsidized daycare for infant children up to and including senior kindergarten please contact the HBPA Backstretch Office for more information.
Listen for the announcements!
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings
Every Tuesday at 1pm
HBPA Trailer Backstretch Woodbine Racetrack