Profitable B.C. casinos are getting subsidies while charities suffer cuts: NDP arts critic

By Andy Ivens, The Province January 9, 2011 5:18 PM

The provincial government kicks back millions to highly profitable casinos through subsidies while making deep cuts to charities, the NDP’s arts critic charged Sunday.  “I don’t understand why companies that make multi-millions of dollars every year — some of the most profitable companies in B.C. — aren’t investing in their facilities themselves,” Spencer Chandra Herbert told a press conference held in the shadow of the B.C. Place construction site.  “It’s very puzzling why taxpayers would be expected to fund 40 per cent of capital costs for casinos in B.C.”  Chandra Herbert noted casinos can apply to Victoria to receive a subsidy of three per cent of their net win, in the form of a Facility Development Commission, and an additional one-time subsidy of two per cent of net win through an Accelerated Facility Development Commission.  “Over the last 10 years or so, over $400 million [went] into private companies’ capital infrastructure, Chandra Herbert said of the subsidies.  “I’m calling on the B.C. Liberals to justify why government revenues should be going to private casino companies’ car parks, show lounges, hotels and casinos when government has been slashing funds to charities, groups that provide literacy services, support for seniors, arts and culture groups and environmental groups,” he said. (more)
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