HBPA UPDATE

WELCOME BACK MEMBERS!

The HBPA Board of Directors extends a warm welcome to all members returning from the winter break. We trust that

you enjoyed a restful and protective offseason.

As we begin a new year of racing, we look forward to the continued dedication, professionalism and commitment

from all members of the racing community.

We hope this upcoming season presents valuable opportunities to build upon past successes, while upholding the

highest levels of safety, integrity and excellence within our sport.

On behalf of the Board, we wish all our members a safe and successful 2026 racing season.

TRAINER/ASSISTANT TRAINER’S TESTING – NEW CRITERIA

Over the winter break, the trainer’s testing committee with support from staff, conducted a comprehensive review

of the existing eligibility criteria for those wishing to write the Trainer/ Assistant Trainer tests. This process involved

evaluating current standards, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing updates to ensure the criteria is

aligned with program expectations. The revised eligibility requirements are intended to better support candidate

readiness and maintain the overall quality and integrity of the testing process.

For further details, please contact Corinne at our Woodbine backstretch office. Applications are available at both

backstretch offices and online at: https://www.hbpa-ontario.com/forms

INTERNATIONAL RURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM (IRE)

The HBPA board and staff have been working diligently on ways to help get skilled backstretch workers. While the

Foreign worker program is temporarily shut down, we believe we have found another avenue. The International Rural

Exchange Canada program is a non-profit organization that has been facilitating paid work-travel for young adults

between 18 to 25. Ideal workers are interested in agriculture and hands-on worker.

In order for employers to become a host, employers must complete an application, interview with the IRE team, have

an on-site or video workplace inspection and pay the $100 membership fee. After membership is approved, the IRE

team will match employers with potential workers. They will conduct an interview and if both parties agree, the IRE

team will help process the visa application (which can take 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the workers home country)

Visa’s can be issued up to 3 years, depending on the country and employers can apply for visas up to 3 times for the

worker.

The cost of the employer specific work permit is $1,490 or an open work permit is $1,260 including taxes. If the

worker leaves employment within the first 8 weeks, IRE will find another work or grant the employer a full refund

minus the $100 membership cost.

For those who would like more information, please contact Corinne at our Woodbine office 416-675-3802 or

HBPA