Bulletin
Hastings Entertainment Inc.
December 5, 2025
To: All MoveUP members at Hastings Entertainment Inc.
Earlier today, Great Canadian Entertainment issued a public press release announcing the planned cessation of live racing at Hastings Racecourse. The release can be viewed here.
We were not advised, nor consulted with prior to this major announcement. We have reached out to GCE for necessary information, including the phasing of the closure. This lack of clarity, notice and consultation is unacceptable and violates our Collective Agreement as well as Section 54 of the BC Labour Relations Code.
Great Canadian Entertainment are legally required to engage in meaningful consultation with the union about the impacts of any significant operational changes, including closures. This includes discussions around alternatives, severance, redeployment, retraining, and other transitional supports for affected members. We will hold them accountable to their legislative and contractual requirements, and will keep you posted throughout this process.
President Annette Toth, Vice-President Christy Slusarenko, Union Representative Chris Shier, and Job Steward Lisa Russell will be meeting directly with Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger Monday.
It is clear to everyone that BC Government’s sudden and unexpected decision to cease the longstanding practice of slot revenue sharing has led to the cessation of operations at Hastings Racecourse, and we will be expressing our strong objection to the lack of consultation and due process in the rendering of their decision. We have sent out a press release late Friday, and President Annette Toth has several media interviews lined up to speak about how these issues affect our members at Hastings Racecourse.
These decisions have real human impact on working people in this province. The fact that these decisions were made in a vacuum of input from those most affected is patently offensive and absurd.
We will continue to fight for transparency, fairness, and real support for every member affected by this closure. Further updates will be shared as information becomes available. In the meantime, you can help call on the government to review their decision by sending a letter here.
In solidarity,
Chris Shier, Union Representative
Christy Slusarenko, Vice-President Combined
Annette Toth, President