Legislative Change Proposed In Quebec

Published: October 7, 2009 12:18 pm EDT

A union representing employees of racetrack operator Attractions Hippiques is asking the Quebec government for a change in legislation it says might save some of the 300 jobs imperiled by the company's

precarious financial status.

Current rules restrict a racetrack's simulcast market to a specific geographical area.

"We're not asking Mr. Bachand (Finance Minister Raymond) to inject more money into the racing industry, because we're aware of Quebec's difficult budgetary position. We are asking him to abolish the rule," said Serge Bérubé, head of Teamsters local 1999.

An aide to Bachand said last week the government would not be modifying the rule, which Attractions Hippiques had made a condition of its restructuring plan. The company has been in creditor protection since June of 2008. Sunday, it indefinitely suspended live racing at Sulky Quebec in Quebec City, the only track in the province where it's presented live racing this year.

(A Trot Insider exclusive by Paul Delean)

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