Economic Contribution of Racing to Canadian Economy

The horse industry in Canada contributes almost $20 billion to the country’s economy annually, according to figures released by Equine Canada and Strategic Equine.

With a population of about 45,000 horses, Canadians use 41% of these equines for breeding, with nonracing sports, pleasure, and other uses accounting for 18% each. Racehorses make up only about 5% of Canada’s horse population, but the racing industry accounts for $5.7 billion, or 29% of the economic total.

Money associated with racing in Ontario contributes 77% of the economic total for racing in the country. Ontario is the home of well over half of the 45,000 horses that are active in Canada’s racing industry. Horse racing in Ontario provides 34,816 person-years of employment, equaling potential employment for 55,000 individuals at some time during a year.

Despite its significant contributions to the national economy, the future of racing in Canada will likely see some changes due to recent developments like cutting Ontario’s Slots at Racetracks Program and the closing or precarious future of several major racetracks.

The entire report entitled “The Economics of Horse Racing in Canada” can be found at www.equinecanada.ca.