FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BC NDP Government Lets Non-Profits Struggle Despite Soaring Gambling Revenues

“This is a matter of common sense and compassion. Gambling revenues should not be hoarded by the government while communities suffer.”

—Rosalyn Bird, Conservative MLA for Prince George-Valemount and Critic for Citizens’ Services

PRINCE GEORGE, BC: As inflation continues to squeeze British Columbians, non-profits are being forced to do more with less, filling critical gaps in services that the government is increasingly unable to provide. Yet, despite skyrocketing gambling revenues, the BC NDP government has failed to increase the funding these organizations rely on, leaving communities underserved and vulnerable.

In the 2022/23 fiscal year, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) reported a record net income of $1.6 billion for the province, fueled by growth in gambling activity and the legalization of single-event sports betting. However, funding for non-profits through the Community Gaming Grants program has remained stagnant at $140 million annually for nearly a decade.

“The BC NDP government is sitting on a growing pile of gambling revenue, yet organizations that provide life-saving services are being left to fend for themselves,” said Rosalyn Bird, MLA for Prince George-Valemount and Critic for Citizens’ Services. “Non-profits like the Prince George Regional Highway Rescue Society (PGRHRS) are stepping up to fill gaps in emergency services, yet their funding has been cut, forcing them to make impossible choices.”

The PGRHRS, a volunteer-based organization that provides essential highway rescue services across northern B.C., is one of many non-profits struggling to meet rising demand amid declining resources. In 2023, the Society’s gaming grant funding was slashed from $100,000 to $75,000. While the organization has applied for an increased grant of $125,000 for 2024, they have yet to receive confirmation.

“Investments in non-profits are some of the most efficient uses of public funds,” added Rosalyn Bird. “Every dollar invested in organizations like PGRHRS multiplies in impact, saving lives and ensuring safety on our highways. The government’s refusal to reflect this in its funding priorities is unacceptable.”

Non-profits are not only dealing with stagnant funding but are also stepping into roles that the government has traditionally filled, from emergency services to social support. With inflation increasing operational costs and the demand for services rising, the government’s inaction is putting even greater pressure on these vital organizations.

“The BC NDP government must recognize the value of non-profits and act accordingly,” said Teresa Wat, MLA for Richmond-Bridgeport and critic for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Anti-Racism and Trade. “We need a commitment to increase funding from gambling revenues, ensuring it reflects the province’s growing revenues and the vital services these organizations provide. Anything less is a disservice to British Columbians.”

Key Demands:

  • Increase Funding to Community Gaming Grants: Adjust funding to reflect the growth in gambling revenues, ensuring non-profits have the resources to meet rising community needs.
  • Recognize Non-Profits as Partners: Acknowledge the critical role non-profits play in delivering services efficiently and invest accordingly.
  • Provide Transparency: Offer clarity on how gambling revenues are allocated to ensure fairness and accountability.

Rosalyn Bird, MLA for Prince George-Valemount is calling on the BC NDP government to prioritize the well-being of its citizens by investing in the organizations that support them. “This is a matter of common sense and compassion. Gambling revenues should not be hoarded by the government while communities suffer,” said Bird.

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