CCVO Responds to CRA’s Proposed Guidance Documents on Charities and Public Policy Advocacy
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has shared proposed guidance documents that will help charities interpret the legislation related to public policy advocacy. This follows the recent proposed Income Tax Act (ITA) amendments by the Department of Finance. CCVO sees the proposed ITA amendments and accompanying guidance documents as good overall progress towards better supporting charities.
CCVO Responds to Department of Finance’s Income Tax Act Amendments
In a joint letter with Imagine Canada, CCVO responded to the proposed Income Tax Act amendments from the Department of Finance. While we recognize the significant steps taken to modernize the regulatory regime for registered charities, we note that the changes are only an initial step toward a broader review.
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.