It's a relief funding for the CAP sites isn't ending now, but what happens after 2010? Islanders who thought they were losing their Community Access Program sites because of federal funding cuts must have felt they were waking up from an unpleasant dream this week. According to federal Industry Minister Tony Clement, it won't happen after all, and the initial news that the CAP sites were getting the axe was simply the result of poor communication. We can all rest easy, if the latest word from Ottawa is to be believed. For one thing, it spares the 10 full-time jobs associated with the operation of the Island's 38 CAP sites, as well as the 52 students who work part-time. For another, the cuts would have specifically hurt rural areas where many depend on the services at these sites, especially access to computer and Internet for those who aren't connected themselves. How many would that have affected? In the 2009-2010 fiscal year, more than 84,000 logged on at a CAP site in the province. While many of these may have been repeat users, the relevant point here is that the services are well used, and are obviously filling a need. No wonder reaction was negative when word came earlier this week that the CAP sites would be closed because of new arrangements in federal funding. Workers themselves spoke out, the opposition and some senators all spoke up for the need to retain the sites – only to be told the next day by Mr. Clement himself that the sites would remain open, that funding was never in jeopardy, and that it would continue throughout 2010. The reason for the confusion, he explained in an interview with The Guardian, is that there's been a change in funding arrangements, and that all the information about the funding changes wasn't communicated. The bottom line, he stressed, is that the sites will continue to be funded throughout 2010. But what will happen after that? The minister wouldn't say. And Islanders should take note of that. Obviously it's a relief that the sites have been spared – for this year. But what about subsequent years? The fact that the minister seems noncommittal about their future is reason to remain vigilant. And while the minister attributes the recent confusion to poor communication, it was communication that seemed to be shared by a lot of people who should have been in the know – senior officials in Egmont MP Gail Shea's office, senators and Opposition MPs. Poor communication obviously travels fast. Not surprisingly, opposition MPs insist that government's initial intention was to cut the services, and that it pulled back in the face of negative reaction. Whether that's the case or not, the fact is, the minister has been unable to guarantee the program will continue past 2010. Islanders should consider this incident a heads-up not to become complacent. They should make their feelings known to their MPs and send the message to Ottawa that cutting the sites would have a dramatic impact on rural Prince Edward Island. The sites are invaluable to people who don't have computer or Internet access at home. Students use them. So do people looking for employment. Closing these sites would be a regressive move by any government. The $595,000 the federal government contributes to the program is a worthwhile investment. Between now and the end of 2010, the province should make a point of persuading Ottawa of this and work to ensure that the CAP sites remain open.

via www.theguardian.pe.ca

When the B.C. government announced this month it was cutting off gaming grants for adult sports and arts groups, Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman said it was to save money while maintaining programs for young people and the disabled.

Then schools and daycares began receiving notices that there would no longer receive grants to build playgrounds, and opposition critics were quick to pounce. In the legislature last week, NDP leader Carole James said 800 community groups have lost their grants from lottery and casino revenue.

"At a time when the government is bringing in more gaming money than ever before, the B.C. Liberals are taking away from community grants to groups and organizations around this province, a $36 million cut from 2008 levels," James said. "When did taking money away from kids' playgrounds become a priority for this government?"

Coleman said $4 million in gaming grants was given out between 2007 and 2009, paying for 250 school playgrounds. That program has ended after two years, "as was planned," he said.

School parent advisory councils have had their funding restored to $20 per student for the coming year, and that money can be used to provide playgrounds if the parents wish, Coleman added. District parent advisory councils also see their annual grant go from $1,250 to $2,500, and they can also use that for playgrounds.

With casinos around the province added to lotteries and traditional bingo parlours, the B.C. government now takes in more than $1 billion a year from gambling. Coleman's ministry has capped the share of that to be used for community grants at $120 million, with the rest going to support increased per-pupil education funding, another $2 billion for health care, and social assistance payments that have risen by $120 million due to last year's recession.

NDP housing and social development critic Shane Simpson said the loss of gaming grants is particularly hard on non-profit child care centres.

"We have a government that on one hand said early childhood education is a priority, and on the other hand cuts those grants for organizations with very tight budgets," Simpson said. "Five or six thousand dollars makes the difference on what you get for snacks."

Extending kindergarten to full days over the next two years is one reason the B.C. government expects to run a $1.7 billion deficit in the fiscal year that begins April 1.

"I think the government's making the decision about how embarrassed they are about their mismanagement of the economy as it's reflected in the size of the deficit, and they're prepared to cut pretty much anything to try to manage the size of that deficit," Simpson said.

When the government was running a surplus in 2007, it gave $2.5 million to the Rick Hansen Foundation for a program called Let's Play. The education ministry says the program has funded playgrounds for 22 schools and 25 municipal and community organizations.

Another $1 million was given to the B.C. Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils in 2007. The ministry says it was earmarked for playgrounds and 66 elementary and middle schools received grants for new or refurbished facilities.

via www.bclocalnews.com