Don’t Believe Everything You Read
Over the past year, a number of prominent federal politicians have called into question the legitimacy of charities participating in advocacy activities. Now, Ezra Levant from Sun Media has chimed in on the topic in an August 13th opinion piece.
CEO Katherine van Kooy appointed to Premier's Council on Culture
Twenty-two dynamic Albertans have been appointed to a renewed Premier’s Council on Culture in an effort to make Alberta’s cultural sector one of the best in the world.
Come hell or high water, I’m going to meet my MLA
Here’s a list of of events that Calgary area MLAs will be hosting in conjunction with Stampede. We’ll be updating it as more information becomes available. Stampede breakfasts and BBQs are a great way to interact with your MLA, and eat some pancakes and hot dogs too.
Results-Based Budgeting Presentation
CCVO hosted a sold-out session with Ministry of Human Services staffers Lana Lougheed, Chief Strategy Officer and Brenda Lee Doyle, Assistant Deputy Minister, Disability Services Division to discuss how Results-Based Budgeting is being implemented in Human Services and informed by the Social Policy Framework.
Influencing Public Policy: Update
CCVO has updated it's 2010 publication Influencing Public Policy to reflect new changes from the CRA. This resource helps nonprofits understand what advocacy activities are considered allowable, under the guidelines of the Canada Revenue Agency Policy Statement on Political Activities (CPS-022).
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.
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.
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.
Bill C-470: An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act (Disclosure of Compensation For Registered Charities)
With the dissolution of Parliament on March 26, all bills that had not received Royal Assent, including Bill C-470 on compensation disclosure for registered charities, have been terminated. Bills cannot be reinstated; however, a new bill with the same or similar intent to that of Bill C-470 could be reintroduced in the next Parliament. MP Albina Guarnieri, who originally sponsored the Bill C-470, is not seeking re-election, so another member of parliament would have to introduce the bill.
A Different Voice - Perspectives on the United Kingdom's Civil Society
A report based on CEO Katherine van Kooy's study trip to the UK in October 2010.
Alberta's Personal Information Protection Act
Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) was introduced on January 1, 2004, to govern the handling of personal information by organizations in Alberta. The Act tries to balance the individual’s right to have his or her personal information protected with the organization’s need to collect, use and disclose this information for legitimate and reasonable purposes.