Why Advocacy Matters: The Crucial Role that Nonprofits Play
The nonprofit sector contributes significantly to society, the economy, and democratic participation – as such, the potential political influence of the sector should not be underestimated. Engaging in advocacy is an opportunity for nonprofits to share their priorities with the public, represent communities, advance policies, and promote funding of meaningful objectives.
Policy to the Point: Preparing for Cannabis Legalization
The legalization of cannabis this October will impact nonprofit workplaces and regulations, but also result in a new wave of related services, programs and nonprofit organizations. As Canada becomes among the first international jurisdictions to legalize cannabis, the beginning stages will require all members of the community to learn, adapt and be flexible.
Why Nonprofits Matter: 3 Major Contributions of the Nonprofit Sector
In advance of the upcoming provincial election, it’s important for nonprofits to recognize the potential influence they have, and meaningfully engage in public policy dialogue to capture the attention of political parties and candidates.
Policy to the Point: Influencing Public Policy
Charities are a source of insight and expertise about the communities and the people they serve and sharing this knowledge with all levels of government can lead to more effective public policy.
Alberta Minimum Wage Increase Coming October 1
Alberta's minimum wage will increase to $15.00 an hour, up from $13.60 an hour. This increase will mark the final stage in a series of minimum wage increases enacted by the Alberta Government. In 2015, Alberta was the first province to commit to a $15.00 minimum wage phase-in, and as of October 1st, will be the first province or state in North America to accomplish it.
Building an Alberta Nonprofit Election Toolkit
As a result of focus group discussions from around the province, CCVO is creating a resource to help nonprofit organizations prepare for the upcoming provincial election in Spring 2019. The Alberta Nonprofit Election Toolkit is intended to arm Alberta’s nonprofits with flexible tools to help ensure the candidates and parties address issues of importance to our sector.
Freedom of Expression Rules the Day for Canadian Charities
There was some big news for charities across Canada this week. An Ontario judge ruled that the section of the federal Income Tax Act limiting the political activity of charities has “no force or effect” as of Monday, July 16. The judge ruled that this section of the Income Tax Act is an infringement on freedom of expression for charities. Partisan activities are still prohibited – a restriction that CCVO fully supports.
What does the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Legislation mean for Alberta Nonprofits?
The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) legislation was passed by the provincial government in June 2018 to enable municipalities to establish a program that assists property owners to make energy efficiency upgrades. It is a voluntary program that provides financing, which is repaid through property taxes. Municipalities must pass a PACE bylaw in order for residents to participate.