Gaming grants under the microscope

Still reeling from massive cuts two years ago, the arts community is welcoming a review of the province’s gaming grant process with open arms.

Premier Christy Clark made good on one of her Liberal leadership campaign promises yesterday by commissioning former Kwantlen Polytechnic University president Skip Triplett to lead to Community Gaming Grant Review.

Alliance for Arts and Culture executive director Amir Ali Alibhai says the wide-ranging review couldn’t have come soon enough.

“Cuts to gaming grants have really impacted the arts community. This is good news that the review is taking place,” he said. “There are hundreds of groups on the cusp, I’m concerned whether they can survive until changes are made.”

Gaming in B.C. generates more than $1 billion for the government each year.

In 2009-10, Community Gaming Grants – handed out to non-profit organizations, charities, social services and arts and culture groups using that revenue – were cut from $156 million to $120 million.

The cuts, coupled with revised criteria that shut the door to adult arts groups, were a devastating blow to many organizations that depending on the funding.

In March, grants were raised to $135 million and distributed to approximately 6,000 groups across the province.

NDP social development critic Shane Simpson is hoping for a complete overhaul of the grant process.

“I think it’s a broken system,” he said. “There are a lot of groups struggling because of the chaotic way the grants work. There is a lot of uncertainty.”

Simpson is skeptical Triplett will be given enough time to consult thousands of groups and properly research the issues in a short period of time.

Triplett’s report is due Oct. 31.

He can make recommendations into the legislation around gaming grants, funding formulas and eligibility.