Ontario association's $1 million grant to be reconsidered

The Ontario Cricket Association's joy over being granted Can$1 million might be short-lived, with the government - under fire for money given to various multicultural groups - planning on getting back a part of the sum.

"I intend to discuss with them the grant and whether the Can$1 million was appropriate," Ontario's citizenship and immigration minister Gerry Phillips told the Star. "If we both determine this is not quite the appropriate decision, my experience is people are, by and large, pretty reasonable."

The grant was made by Phillips's predecessor Mile Colle, whom he replaced after Ontario's auditor general criticised the manner in which Can$32 million was handed over to 110 multicultural groups over the last two years. The cricket association had requested Can$150,000, but Colle sanctioned Can$1 million.

The association's president Mike Kendall expressed surprise over the new development. "We didn't think they would [want part of the money back]," he said, indicating that the association has set aside funds to introduce the sport in more schools.

He felt that even the sanctioned amount was inadequate for the game's development. "This amount of money is barely scratching the surface of what's needed," he said. "Cricket is growing exponentially in Canada. As the sport grows we need to have infrastructure facilities in place."

The association has already spent Can$360,000, including Can$250,000 on a cricket pitch, in King City - north of Toronto - to make it meet international standards, according to a report on globeandmail.com. Half of the remaining money is with a guaranteed investment certificate.