Review of Community Gaming Grants underway: public input sought
By Contributor
Skip Triplett was appointed to lead the Community Gaming Grant Review, with the final report to be delivered by Oct. 31.
The former president of Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Skip Triplett is now a partner in the governance consulting firm Triplett & Triplett.
During his long career, he has held executive, board and management positions with the B.C. Telephone Company (now Telus), Xerox of Canada, Ltd., Steel Company of Canada, the Canadian Forces Liaison Council and the Credit Counselling Society.
Triplett holds a BA from Concordia University, an MBA from Simon Fraser University, and an honorary LLD from Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
“I understand the broad-reaching impact of gaming grant decisions and I am committed to ensuring this review process is open, transparent, and reflective of the needs of B.C. taxpayers and the groups who rely on gaming grants to provide excellent services across the province,” said Triplett.
The Community Gaming Grant Review will examine the role of government in allocating gaming revenue with input from charities, community members, industry representatives and local government. The Terms of Reference include reviewing and providing options for:
- Existing legislation governing community gaming grant funding.
- Funding formula.
- Criteria/eligibility for community gaming grants.
- Processes involved with applying for and receiving community gaming grants.
- A multi-year funding model.
- The future role of government in community gaming grants.
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.
Details related to upcoming community forums will be announced in the near future.
Gaming generates more than $1 billion in revenue per year for the B.C. government. In 2010-11:
- $687.5 million went to the province’s general revenues.
- $147.3 million went to health special account.
- $82.3 million went to host local governments with a casino or community gaming centres.
- $120 million went to charities and non-profit organizations through Community Gaming Grants, which was increased by a further $15 million announced by the Premier in March 2011.
