It’s all on the table.
That’s the message from Skip Triplett, who has been appointed by Premier Christy Clark to review the role of government in allocating gaming revenue, with input from charities, community members, industry reps and local government.
The former president of Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Triplett says everything from existing legislation, funding formula and eligibility criteria will be up for discussion at open meetings across the province – Kamloops on Tuesday, Aug. 16 and Kelowna Monday, Sept. 12.
“We haven’t seen a gaming grant here for three years, so the announcement of community consultation is a non-event,” says SAGA Public Art Gallery executive director Tracey Kutschker, noting she was told public art galleries were no longer eligible.
“When I hear that the ministry is consulting with communities, I wonder if instead I could just have the money they’re spending on the consultation process.”
But Triplett says the Premier was concerned that gaming grant rules changed too often as did amounts made available. He says she wants to adopt a fair and consistent process – one based on what British Columbians want.
The 14 meetings across the province are open to everyone. Stakeholders and members of the community who would like to present their views are invited to visit www.communitygaminggrantreview.gov.bc.ca to submit a written presentation.