Federal Government Reconvenes

On December 5, Governor General, Julie Payette formally convened the first session of the 43rd Parliament with the Speech from the Throne. The speech outlined the government’s priorities and emphasized the importance of a united Canada, where collaboration and working with others in pursuit of common goals and aspirations are priorities for everyone.

Although there was no mention of the nonprofit and charitable sector in the speech, we should expect the Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector to table and pass a motion asking the House to respond to their report, which contains 42 recommendations that will enable the sector’s potential to provide greater impact.

Here is a quick recap of the government’s commitments:

1. Climate Change

   1. Achieve net-zero emissions by 2050

   2. Price on pollution most likely through the Carbon Tax

   3. Protect 25 percent of Canada's land and 25 percent of Canada's oceans by 2025

   4. Plant two billion trees

2. Helping the Middle Class

   1. Cut taxes for all but the wealthiest Canadians

   2. Affordable housing

   3. Accessible child care

   4. Support for students

3. Indigenous Reconciliation

   1. Passing historic legislation to protect Indigenous languages and affirm Indigenous jurisdiction over child and family services

   2. Completion of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

   3. Implement the United Nations (UN) Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

4. Health and Safety

   1. Ban military-style assault rifles and take steps to introduce a buy-back program

   2. Build on the Gender-Based Violence Strategy

   3. Address Opioid use

   4. Increase access to mental-health care and family doctors

   5. Pharmacare

5. International Commitments

   1. Renew commitment to NATO and the UN

   2. Ensure Canada’s voice is present at the UN Security Council

Parliamentary secretaries and mandate letters are forthcoming.

CCVO will continue to follow closely and report on developments that broadly impact the nonprofit sector.