The Kevin Files: Direct Access Update

On their blog, the Alliance for Arts and Culture has provided an update on the freezing of the Direct Access grants program. Managed by the Gaming, Policy and Enforcement branch of the Provincial Government, Direct Access funding is currently frozen and subject to an ongoing review.

The Alliacne reported that they had spoken with Derek Sturko, the Assistant Deputy Minister and General Manager, who informed them that the process should be finished in the next few weeks, since the budget will be tabled in early September. He could not say what the status of the review is, or whether organizations will be receiving grants now or in the future.

The Alliance has suggested that if people want to send a letter voicing their concern, they should address it to their relevant MLA (you can look them up here) and to Minister Coleman (Minister of Housing and Social Development, who can be reached here: [email protected]), cc'ing it to Minister Krueger (Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts: [email protected]), Minister Hansen (Finance Minister: [email protected]), and the Premier ([email protected]). Staff are under strict instructions not to comment on the issue, so calling the branch won’t help.

The Alliance has promised to keep monitoring the situation and provide regular updates.