A confusing application process and lack of consistency with the gaming grants system has left some local not-for-profit organizations fuming.
Organizations were outraged in 2009 when the province cut grants to community groups from $156 million to $120 million a year. That number was raised to $135 million this spring after Premier Christy Clark took office.
And in July 2011, Clark appointed former Kwantlen Polytechnic University president, Skip Triplett to lead a "top-to-bottom" review into the allocation of funding through Community Gaming Grants.
The review is on the final leg of touring 14 communities in B.C. to gather input from individuals and non-profit organizations in a series of community forums.
On Thursday, Triplett was greeted by 100 people at the Native Friendship Centre in Prince George, including representatives of more than 20 local organizations, some who are still waiting to find out if they've received funding.
Stuart Haynes, the vice president of the Hart Pioneer Centre, which provides daily hot meals to the elderly in need, said one of the more serious problems with current grant application system is grants aren't given to organizations that declare significant savings, which eliminates the ability to have an emergency fund or have any long term planning.
"However Isn't that what gambling is all about? Lying, cheating and stealing?" he said.
The 12 weeks it takes to process an application, followed by another three months to receive the funds, has tied their hands.
Hayne his organization is quickly running out of funds.
"We are running day to day... It costs us $500 a day to operate the centre."
It has caused them to scramble to find alternative solutions, should their funding not be approved, he added.
Peter Thompson, manager of the Two Rivers Gallery said the system is set up to undermine the groups.
"The B.C. government perceives volunteers as helpful when times are good and disposable when times are bad... Pitting the different sectors against each other is profoundly destructive."
Becky Row, regional operations manager of the Canadian Red Cross, also brought up some complications with the current grant system.
"Another area there is a conflict in my opinion is in the eligibility of training staff. We are required to do a large amount of training with our childcare staff and yet the same program that is funded by gaming will not allow us to pay for our training with the gaming funds. It's a conflicting message originating in the same place - the B.C. government," said Row.
People who wished to give a presentation could either submit a statement in writing or speak during the forums.
Triplett has until Oct. 31 to complete all of the community forums, review nearly 300 written statements from across the province and then provide some options for improvement to the premier.
"I wasn't asked to provide recommendations, instead I've been asked to provide the premier and minister with options, I like that much better," said Triplett. "Because as ministers change, or even if the government changes, the options and their ramifications should remain the same."
