The Kevin Files: Where oh where did the Direct Access BC Gaming funding go?

As of today, it looks like the Gaming Branch is issuing denials for all arts applications to the Direct Access Gaming program. 

Apparently, the B.C. Liberals are facing a much larger deficit than they had anticipated and looking at ways to save money.  In an August 27, 2009 article from the Peninsula News Review, Minister Rich Coleman states:  "We’ve spent $60 million already on grants this year. It’s a $159 million program. The money is still there, but these are discretionary grants. We have told people not to rely on this."

My question is - where is the money going instead?  According to a letter from Minister Coleman issued the very same day, these remaining funds are going to several programs previously funded through other areas of government including the CommunityLINK program (providing nutritional programs in schools for underprivileged children) and the B.C. Arts Council.  By my calculation, there should be $99 million left.  The B.C. Liberals' own website states that the B.C. Arts Council for 2009/10 received $10.9 million from the Direct Access Gaming fund -- money that previously came from the arts ministry.  In 2008/09, the CommunityLINK program cost $50.5 million and likely would be about the same this year.  Where is the other $37.6 million going?  Will it actually be given to non-profit community groups who rely on BC Gaming funding to carry out their activities?  If so, will any of them be groups from the arts and culture sector?

Did I mention that B.C. Gaming had a record year for profits in 2008/09?  The gross for gaming in B.C. was $2.61 billion and the net goverment revenue totalled $1.1 billion.  The 2008/09 report from the Gaming Policy and Enforcement branch trumpets its support of local communities in the amount of $156.3 million dollars to community organizations.   Over 6,800 community organizations benefit from this funding.  It is usually granted if your application meets all the criteria.  Many many people throughout the province will feel the impact of these cuts.  I suppose that the B.C. Liberal government with its shiny new mandate simply does not care.