Rich Coleman suggests gaming-grant reversal, but no details yet

Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman has told Global TV's Keith Baldrey that multiyear gaming grants will be honoured.

This came from a ministry spokesperson who requested anonymity. Normally, the Straight doesn't run stories with unnamed sources. I've made an exception in this case because it's of such vital interest to arts and cultural organizations.

I was told the Coleman is in the legislature and couldn't be reached for comment.

It's typical of the B.C. Liberal government: leak something like this to Global rather than share it with everyone.

The Arts and Culture Alliance is meeting this afternoon with arts organizations to discuss how to deal with an estimated $20 million in gaming-grant  cuts to the cultural sector.

If Coleman has reversed himself, credit must go to the courageous organizations that stood up to the B.C. Liberal  bullies, as well as to NDP culture critic Spencer Herbert.