Bulletin
Hastings Closure and Section 54 Progress
December 24, 2025
To: All MoveUP members at Hastings Entertainment Inc.
Earlier this month, GCE announced that live racing at Hastings Racecourse will cease, without any prior notice or consultation with the Union. This decision was made unilaterally, despite clear legal and contractual obligations requiring meaningful consultation before major operational changes. The Union has demanded full information about the planned closure and is pressing both GCE and the provincial government for accountability under the Collective Agreement and Section 54 of the BC Labour Relations Code.
Section 54 discussions have begun. The first meeting was held on Tuesday, December 16. On Friday, December 19, the Union submitted a detailed labour adjustment plan requesting enhanced severance, re‑employment supports, housing assistance, and continued counselling services for affected workers. GCE has not responded to the proposal. Multiple attempts by the Union to engage the company have gone unanswered, leaving workers without the information and support they deserve.
Also on December 19, it was publicly announced that Great Canadian Casino Vancouver in Coquitlam has been sold to Petroglyph Development Group, the economic branch of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. With this sale completed, GCE now operates only two casinos in British Columbia: Chances Dawson Creek and Elements Surrey. After years of drawing revenue from BC operations, the company is now selling off its assets, leaving workers to face the fallout. Given this pattern, further sales appear likely.
The Union will continue to insist on transparency, lawful conduct, and meaningful support for every worker affected by these decisions.
Should the employer continue to shirk their legislated responsibilities to you and to the labour code in this process, we will proceed with mediation at the labour board.
Additional updates will be shared as information becomes available.
In solidarity,
Chris Shier, Union Representative