Director of Racing Announced

The Council of Maritime Premiers is pleased to announce the appointment of John Blakney as director of racing for the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission, effective Feb. 26. Mr. Blakney was appointed following an extensive search and interview process. The Council is pleased to have attracted someone of Mr. Blakney''s calibre.

Mr. Blakney is from Charlottetown. He has served as executive director of the former Prince Edward Island Land Use Commission, and as vice-chair of the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission. Over the past three years, Mr. Blakney co-founded the Pacific Resources Centre for Multi-Party Resolutions in Vancouver--a non-profit organization that develops and practices methods for bringing diverse groups together to advance complex and sometimes controversial issues and policies. This work has primarily focused on natural resources, agricultural, and urban development matters.

Mr. Blakney''s interest in the harness racing industry is founded on his involvement as a former single horse owner, groom and trainer.

The Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission was established on April 1, 1994 to govern, supervise, control and regulate harness racing and racetracks in the Maritime provinces. The commission operates out of Summerside, P.E.I.

kjd 26 February 2001 4:36 p.m.