Federal Election 2019 and the Nonprofit Sector
By Marokh Yousifshahi, CCVO Research Coordinator
On October 21st, 2019, Canadians will head to the polls and vote in the country’s 43rd federal election. All parties have released their platforms and have had their say on the public stage during the federal leaders debates. After examination of the platforms of four of the major political parties (Liberal Party of Canada, the Conservative Party of Canada, the New Democratic Party of Canada, and the Green Party of Canada), very little is mentioned about the nonprofit sector as a whole. In the previous federal election, there was considerable effort to improve relations with nonprofits, involving new government partnerships and efforts to amend regulations.
Below is a brief summary of the mentions of the nonprofit sector in party platforms. This information was collected from party platforms and surveys by various reputable organizations in Canada which asked parties about their opinions regarding the sector. Although this is not an exhaustive list of party promises, there are multiple organizations and media outlets that have put together an extensive list of commitments made by political parties, which is included at the end of this post for your reference.
Liberal Party of Canada: Although there was little mention of the sector as a whole in their party platform, the party has mentioned they will work in partnership with organizations to explore effective solutions to the most pressing challenges facing Canadians. This includes using the sector’s valuable hands-on experience and expertise to determine best solutions, along with providing civil society organizations access to the information required to better advocate for the needs of Canadians, to the government and other organizations. The party has acknowledged the work done by the Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector around modernizing laws and regulations governing registered charities but has yet to share additional views.
Conservative Party of Canada: Though little has been said about the nonprofit sector, the party has mentioned various changes that may have an effect on organizations in the sector. They have mentioned that “foreign funded groups will be banned from using the approvals process to block energy projects that are in our national interest” and will set new environmental standards.
Green Party of Canada (Greens): The party has publicly stated they recognize the importance in investing in charities and amending regulations that limit a charity’s ability to partner with other organizations, as this will benefit Canada and promote cooperation. In their platform, the Greens plan to establish a charitable tax credit for the private donation of easements on heritage properties to charitable organizations, and local governments, to help maintain Canada’s built heritage. They have also stated they will support multicultural communities by assisting cultural organizations in obtaining charitable status.
New Democratic Party (NDP): The party has promised to construct social and nonprofit housing by setting up dedicated fast-start funds to streamline the application process and help communities get the expertise and assistance they need to get projects off the ground as quickly as possible. They believe having a strong relationship with the nonprofit sector is essential for implementing good policy. They have also promised to have a strong partnership with civil society organizations on various issues including food security, and international assistance. The NDP has mentioned that they will examine the Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector recommendations to make sure there are no barriers to the charitable sector, including barriers around volunteers, access to funds, Canada Revenue Agency decisions, among other measures.
Prior to the federal election call, the Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector presented 42 recommendations for the Government of Canada to implement. These recommendations were developed out of extensive consultations with charities, nonprofit, and volunteer groups, to learn how Canada could better support their important work. Senators Ratna Omidvar and Terry Mercer have written an open letter to all federal party leaders and candidates, suggesting how these recommendations can become a road map to modernize the sector and empower charities, nonprofits, and volunteers. Although the recommendations were not explicitly referred to in any party platforms, we hope that the elected Government of Canada takes them into consideration and continues to support and strengthen nonprofits, charitable, and voluntary organizations both through relationship building and through funding.
To help you vote in this election, CCVO has developed a Vote Kit that answers all your questions on where and how to vote, including additional resources to help you during the voting process. We also have a Federal Election Nonprofit Advocacy Guide with valuable information about the context, rules, and strategies that can be used to support nonprofit contributions to public policy dialogue and development. Have your voice heard by committing to vote through #nonprofitsvote!
Further Resources
Party Platforms:
Resources that examine party platforms:
YYC Matters questions and responses from party leaders
The Globe and Mail federal election 2019 guide to party platforms
Maclean’s 2019 federal election platform guide
National Post election 2019 platform guide
Global News Election 2019, last-minute voters’ guide
BNN Bloomberg federal election platform tracker
Canadian Coalition to End Global Poverty (CCIC) questions and responses from party leaders
Food Secure Canada questions and responses from party leaders
ETFO federal election party platforms
Food Banks Canada 2019 election platform guide
WWF’s questions and responses from party leaders
I Can Party 2019 federal election guide
Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy (IFSD) platform assessment framework of parties