Grant funding has not kept up with growth in provincial gaming revenues, BCGEU says

Grant funding for community-based charities and non-profit groups has not kept up with increasing provincial gaming revenue, despite the $15 million funding increase announced today, says the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU).

“While increases to funding and eligibility for BC Gaming Grants are welcome, today’s announcement is a clear admission that previous community program funding cuts went too far,” says BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

In fact, the share of gaming revenues allocated to grants has dropped by 41% since 2001-02, according to BCGEU calculations. “Setting a $135 million baseline grant budget will not alleviate the chronic underfunding and uncertainty faced by community-based organizations in our province,” says Walker.

Community gaming grants are important sources of funding for many of the essential community-based social services provided by BCGEU members. The union’s diverse membership includes thousands of employees of non-profit organizations providing a wide range of community-based social services and programs. 

“In addition to gaming grants, the community social services sector requires an increased amount of stable, core government funding to provide the programs and supports needed in communities across the province,” says Walker.

BCGEU members provide social and housing supports for adults with developmental disabilities, mentorship and assistance to individuals seeking employment, specialized services for immigrants and First Nations families, support for women dealing with violence, counselling and services for individuals struggling with mental health and addictions issues, and child care for families.

The BCGEU also calls on the government to:

• Amend the Gaming Control Act to establish a binding commitment to providing non-profit organizations with a stable and consistent share of provincial gaming revenues;
• Re-establish multi-year funding cycles; and
• Take steps to simplify the timing and administration of grants.