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Friday, November 27, 2009

EFCL Objects to Reductions in Casino Revenue
By admin @ 11:53 AM :: 1906 Views :: 0 Comments ::

:: Community Programs & Activities, EFCL News

The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues has asked the province to leave the disbursement of casino revenue alone, as changes are neither justified nor required.

In a letter to the Solicitor General Fred Lindsay, the EFCL stated that there are a number of good reasons for keeping the current system intact.

These include the significant demands placed on non-profits in Edmonton, which have to deal with a wide array of social issues not seen in smaller communities. In addition, most of Alberta’s provincial organizations are based in Edmonton and obtain licenses for Edmonton casinos. These organizations use this funding on programs delivered throughout the province.

Minister Lindsay set up a three-MLA committee in the fall to review the way in which casino funds are dispersed in Alberta. The EFCL attended a one of the committee meetings on Oct. 6.

“It was clear at that meeting that the main push here is from rural groups which want a chunk of the profits from casinos in Edmonton and Calgary,” noted EFCL executive director Allan Bolstad.

Bolstad said it was particularly galling to hear this from a non-profit organization based in Sherwood Park, where the county voted against having a casino in their area due to concerns about crime and problem gambling.

“Everyone wants in on the upside, but don’t talk to them about sharing in the downside.”

The provincial review committee has been instructed to report to the Minister in March, 2010.. The EFCL is encouraging all leagues to make their views known, both to Minister Lindsay and Edmonton-Calder MLA Doug Elniski, who sits on the committee.