For Immediate Release
VICTORIA – Community groups have every right to be worried that the B.C. Liberals will use a potential shake-up of community gaming grants as an excuse to slash funding for charities even further, the New Democrats said today.
“The B.C. Liberals have admitted they are considering eliminating one of the key gaming grant programs that charities rely on. Coming from a government that failed to consult with community groups before slashing their grants earlier this year, this change raises serious questions about the B.C. Liberals’ intentions,” said New Democrat social development critic Shane Simpson.
“Community groups deserve a clear reassurance from the government that the B.C. Liberals will not use this change as an excuse to cut charities’ funding even further.”
In response to questions from Simpson in budget estimates (see below), Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman confirmed he will decide in the next 30 to 60 days whether to eliminate bingo affiliation grants. Under this program, community organizations receive grants in return for volunteer activities in a specified bingo facility and in the community.
North Coast MLA Gary Coons is astonished by the latest attack on community volunteers: “Our communities, with great deliberation, allowed the expansion of gaming because of the local benefits that flow back to our community. We had a “social contract” in regards to government bingo and gaming income and now that social contract is in danger of being irreparably broken by this Liberal government.”
After the election, the B.C. Liberals slashed funding for the other community grant program, known as direct access, by $77 million, leaving many charities and arts groups without the funding they have relied upon for years.
“Arts groups, sports teams, and animal rescue organizations have already paid big time for this government’s broken promises . They need to come clean with communities about its true intentions?”, said Coons.“Whether it’s the HST, or cuts to health care and education, the B.C. Liberals have proven they just can’t be trusted to uphold the public’s trust.”
Carole James and the New Democrats have been holding the B.C. Liberals accountable for breaking their word on the HST, and for backtracking on their election promises to protect health care, education, and other vital services.
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To read the Hansard for yourself:
http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/39th1st/H91027p.htm