The North Shore Search and Rescue says it may have to scale back services -- because the province won't clarify whether the funding many charities receive from gaming revenue will be slashed.
This year, the rescue service is counting on a $100,000 grant for training and rescue equipment. Without it, manager Tim Jones says the government is putting his members -- and the safety of victims -- at risk.
"I am not willing to just sit back and allow a political decision to effect what we do as members if something happens in a specific area," Jones said.
"We aren't doing this because it's neat, but because it's necessary."
The gaming grants B.C. charities receive comes from casinos -- but last week, the government said it's reviewing the grants, leaving thousands of local charities, from food banks to kids' sports, in limbo.
The announcement comes on the heels of the B.C. Lottery Corporation's plan to increase the weekly online gambling limit to $10,000.
NDP gaming critic Shane Simpson says other charities aren't speaking up because they are scared of retribution.
"They all do good work, and they should all be concerned," Simpson said. "Many of them will get less money or no money at all, I'm afraid."
Charities will be notified in November about changes to their grants.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Leah Hendry
