BC Liberals’ Budget Deception Means Uncertainty for Many Local Community Groups

For Immediate Release

September 7, 2009

VANCOUVER— In an effort to cover up their pre-election budget deception, the B.C. Liberals have created chaos and confusion for thousands of community groups across the province that depend on gaming grants, New Democrat housing and social development critic Shane Simpson says. 

“If the B.C. Liberals really cared about community groups, they would not have thrown these organizations into chaos with last minute cuts just to cover up for the government’s budget lies,” said Simpson. “Community groups, from arts organizations to animal rescue groups,  are angry that these massive changes were made without warning or consultation.” 

Simpson pointed to the B.C. Liberals’ day-after-the-budget flip-flop on three year funding agreements as evidence of the Campbell government’s mismanagement of both the budget in general and gaming grants in particular. The day before the budget was released Gordon Campbell insisted that the three year gaming grant agreements that were made with hundreds of organizations were not “real commitments.”  

North Coast MLA Gary Coons noted that the day after the budget was released, when faced with the threat of legal action, the B.C. Liberal government changed its mind and provided last-minute funding to cover the cost of the three year agreements. 

“The minister’s day-after reversal raises disconcerting questions about whether anyone can trust the finance minister and his budget numbers,” said Coons. “Rather than creating chaos amongst community groups, the B.C. Liberals should simply have lived up their original commitment.” 

In 1999, the province signed an agreement ( see below)  with charities guaranteeing a minimum level of annual funding and committing to consult the B.C. Association for Charitable Gaming regarding any proposed changes. Coons noted that the B.C. Liberal government has failed to consult with community groups, throwing organizations into uncertainty halfway through the year. 

“Despite the B.C. Liberals’ budget flip-flop, thousands of charities without three year agreements are still uncertain about whether or not they will receive funding,” said Coons. “These cuts are going to affect a variety of groups and initiatives which could include service clubs (Lions, Rotary, Legion, Moose), sports organizations, daycares, and playgrounds. In Prince Rupert alone there are 40 charitable organizations ( see below)  that rely on gaming funds to provide services, including the Jazz Dancing Festival, services for children such as the Growing Space, Harbour Theatre, eight Parent Advisory Councils, and sports groups including minor soccer, basketball, hockey, swimming and skating clubs.” 

The Museum of Northern BC with cuts to their BC Arts Council funding already in place and now with devastating cuts to gaming funds, may find themselves in a position to significantly cut back or cancel entirely its scheduled programming for both visitors to Prince Rupert and for those that live here. 

“The Campbell government’s pre-election deception has left community groups scrambling to make up big holes in their budgets,” said Coons . “When tough decisions need to be made, the government should do so in an open, honest, and accountable way, but the B.C. Liberals have financially crippled hundreds of cherished community organizations halfway through the fiscal year.” 

Carole James and the New Democrats have been holding the B.C. Liberals accountable for  backtracking on their election promises to protect health care, education and other vital services, and for breaking their word on the HST. 

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Gaming Revenue Granted to, and Earned by Community Organizations 2008/09 Full Report (by community)

 *Grant approved after school closed