CCVO Op-Ed: Can we cut our way to a preferred future?
Over the past several months, we have seen the emergence of a difficult and long overdue conversation about how we finance the services that Albertans need and expect. Debate about tax options, expenditure controls and the level of services required to meet the needs of a growing population and a strong economy is healthy in a democratic society, but following the government’s release of the 2012-13 third-quarter fiscal report, now projecting a deficit between 3.5 and 4 billion dollars, the public discussion has been dominated by voices such as the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, Fraser Institute and others who see expenditure reduction as the only solution.
CCVO Op-Ed: Charity “rankings” don’t tell the full story
Recently, a number of articles in the Herald and elsewhere have referred to the ranking of charities by Charity Intelligence. While these articles have focussed attention on some outstanding local organizations, it is important to bring some much needed context and clarity to the “charity rating” stories.
CCVO releases Bill C-458 overview
CCVO has released a resource on Bill C-458 to help individuals and organizations better understand the status of the bill and its potential impact on Canadian charities. Bill C-458, currently scheduled for Second Reading in February, would extend the tax deadline for charitable donations (currently December 31) by two months and establish a National Charities Week at the end of February each year.
2012 Calgary Nonprofit Innovation Awards
Now in its second year, the Innovation Awards were established to celebrate creativity, risk-taking, learning and successful improvements. It was made clear that organizations in our city are thinking and acting ingeniously: finding and advancing opportunities to stimulate and cultivate innovation by changing the ways they do business and deliver services.
Serving Up Change
A number of unique items appeared on the menu during Premier Redford’s leadership bid and in the 2012 general election. There was stable and predictable funding for the nonprofit sector, wage parity with comparable positions in the public service, and meaningful involvement in the public policy process.
Calgary HR Initiative
The Calgary HR Initiative (CHRI) develops strategies, programs and collaborations that support effective human resource management practices in order to build capacity within the Calgary nonprofit human services sector.
Canadian Federation of Voluntary Sector Networks
The Canadian Federation of Voluntary Sector Networks was formed in July, 2002 by 13 organizations, most of which were young (less than 5 years old) or emerging voluntary sector networks.
Alberta Nonprofit/Voluntary Sector Initiative (ANVSI)
The Alberta Nonprofit/Voluntary Sector Initiative (ANVSI) is a ground-breaking initiative, bringing together leaders from the voluntary sector and senior Provincial government staff to develop a more collaborative relationship between the sector and the Province.
Federal Lobbying Act
In 2008, a new Lobbying Act and Regulations came into force as part of the Federal Accountability Act. Charities and nonprofit organizations that meet the threshold for federal lobbying activities set out in the Act are subject to the Act’s Regulations and Code of Conduct.
2012 Provincial Election Resources
CCVO believes that civil society and democratic engagement are fundamental to the wellbeing of our communities.
CRA's Rules for Advocacy by Charities
Across Canada, charities have a wealth of in-depth knowledge about their community and the populations they serve. Organizations working on the ground can identify new or emerging issues and opportunities, and be a source of insight and expertise. Sharing this knowledge with all levels of government can lead to the development of and implementation of effective policies that build a healthy and vibrant community.
2012 Budget Analysis
On February 9, the Government of Alberta released what has been widely interpreted as a stay-the course, pre-election budget. Budget 2012 does signal some new directions, however, these will not be implemented prior to the election.
Submission to the Standing Committee on Finance on Tax Incentives for Charitable Donations
In September 2011, the Standing Committee began a study of current tax incentives for charitable giving, and invited submissions and presentations from 36 organizations, including CCVO. This document is the submission presented to the Standing Committee on January 16, 2012.
Loud & Clear: Survey Sheds Light on Alberta's Nonprofit Employees
The Workforce Council surveyed 569 employees regarding their view of the benefits and challenges of working in the nonprofit sector. Their insights shed some light on what we as funders, employers and policy makers need to consider going forward.
Workforce Inclusion Plan
Our workforce is undergoing dramatic change and the ways we have traditionally envisioned our places of work are being challenged. Over the next decade, all industry sectors, including the nonprofit sector, will need to be creative in finding and retaining qualified employees.