The province is set to introduce legislation that would provide B.C. First Nations with a portion of the B.C. Lottery Corporation’s yearly earnings.
Its predicted the Gaming Control Act, if passed, will mean $3 billion in revenues would be distributed by 2045.
The legislation proposes sharing seven per cent of BCLC’s net annual income over the next 23 years.
The province has already distributed nearly $195 million to First Nations under a two-year interim agreement put in place while the Act makes its way through the legislature.
It comes as part of a pledge the provincial government made last November to finalize a 25-year agreement to provide significant and stable funding of $100 million per year to Indigenous communities.
The revenue may be used in six areas that support governance, capacity building and strengthened program and service delivery:
* health and wellness;
* infrastructure, safety, transportation and housing;
* economic and business development;
* education, language, culture and training;
* community development and environmental protection; and
* capacity building, fiscal management and governance.
Direct distribution of gaming revenue to individuals is not permitted.
All B.C. First Nations are eligible to receive a cut of the money but need to first become members in the limited partnership agreement by contacting the B.C. First Nations Gaming Revenue Sharing Limited Partnership, which is responsible for managing and distributing the money to local First Nations.
Ben O'Hara
