Dear friends,

RE: Community Gaming Grants Review Report Government response

Excuse my frankness, yet I feel it is necessary to write this open letter

Two weeks ago Kevin Falcon admitted publicly the government did wrong by arts and culture and they need to make things right.

This is astounding. The government is vulnerable, desperate and seeking to boost their popularity rating

The Premier followed through on her promise to act on the Skip Triplett Report.

However, we need to let them know the solution to the gaming revenue issue is unacceptable. Yes, it was right to restore eligibility for many organizations but a frozen amount for 4 years means severe cuts for everyone.

The time is auspicious to tell them the truth. It probably should be $635M not $135M for the non-profit sector.

They also need to rectify their cruel errors with arts and culture grant cuts

We have an opportunity to make our case before the next budget. so the time is indeed right. Let us urge them to do the right thing, knowing they are listening now.

I know the arts and culture sector feels bruised, shamed, impotent, despairing and victimised. but we need to hold our heads high and fight for what is right.

We cannot let them buy us off with this unacceptable and unjust solution. If they succeed and we don’t complain they will win the PR battle and we will have lost an opportunity.

I urge you to write letters to the editor. For example there could be more responses to Pete McMartin’s excellent column in the Vancouver Sun. The Georgia Straight is open to our opinions. Community newspapers will print letters and the other media will take notice.

I know this is a busy time and too soon after Christmas, yet I believe we can turn this around.

For the sake of all the people whose lives are enriched by the non-profit sector, we need to seek justice now in the media and in social media

Let’s get the campaign going!

Carpe diem

With love and admiration,

Colin Miles