The former MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex has accepted a new job in the horse racing industry.
Monte McNaughton has been hired as the executive vice president of industry relations and people experience by Woodbine Entertainment, an Ontario corporation with the sole mandate of sustaining and growing horse racing in the province.
“We have an opportunity to expand our business in a way that benefits Ontario’s horse racing industry and the families depending on it. I believe Monte’s expertise and leadership will guide us toward realizing our ambitious goals,” said Woodbine CEO Michael Copeland in a news release.
Woodbine Entertainment is the largest racetrack operator in the country, operating Woodbine Racetrack in Rexdale, Woodbine Mohawk Park in Milton, Canada’s only legal horse racing wagering site, HPIbet.com, and a large network of off-track-betting locations, including Greenwood Teletheatre in Toronto and WEGZ Stadium Bar in Vaughan.
First elected to the Ontario Legislature in 2011, McNaughton announced last month that he would be stepping down from his position as MPP and Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development for a job in the private sector.
Through his new role, McNaughton said he hopes to create jobs and benefit local communities by growing horse racing and the revenues associated with it.
“As an eight-year-old boy I stood in the winner’s circle with family friends who raced horses,” he said. “The sport has captivated me ever since.”
McNaughton takes the responsibilities of his new job effective immediately.