Policy to the Point: Influencing Public Policy
Charities are a source of insight and expertise about the communities and the people they serve and sharing this knowledge with all levels of government can lead to more effective public policy.
Alberta Minimum Wage Increase Coming October 1
Alberta's minimum wage will increase to $15.00 an hour, up from $13.60 an hour. This increase will mark the final stage in a series of minimum wage increases enacted by the Alberta Government. In 2015, Alberta was the first province to commit to a $15.00 minimum wage phase-in, and as of October 1st, will be the first province or state in North America to accomplish it.
Building an Alberta Nonprofit Election Toolkit
As a result of focus group discussions from around the province, CCVO is creating a resource to help nonprofit organizations prepare for the upcoming provincial election in Spring 2019. The Alberta Nonprofit Election Toolkit is intended to arm Alberta’s nonprofits with flexible tools to help ensure the candidates and parties address issues of importance to our sector.
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.
What does the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Legislation mean for Alberta Nonprofits?
The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) legislation was passed by the provincial government in June 2018 to enable municipalities to establish a program that assists property owners to make energy efficiency upgrades. It is a voluntary program that provides financing, which is repaid through property taxes. Municipalities must pass a PACE bylaw in order for residents to participate.
A Whole New World: 4 Things to Watch for and Consider in the New OH&S Act
It’s now been just over a month since Alberta’s new Occupational Health and Safety Act took effect. To put it mildly, the changes are aplenty, and are taking workplace health and safety in Alberta to a place it’s never been.
CCVO’s Top Ten Policy Files for the Nonprofit Sector in 2017
During the year, there were a number of important decisions, initiatives, and events, including some potential “game changers” for nonprofits in Calgary and throughout Alberta. Check out CCVO’s Top 10 List of policy files of the year that impacted the nonprofit sector.
Know the Code: Changes to Alberta's Employment Standards Coming January 1
The updated Employment Standards Code comes into effect on January 1, 2018. As these changes are the first overhaul of the Code since 1988, updating organizational policies and practices have become an area of deliberate attention for nonprofit organizations that employ staff.
Submission to City Charters Regulation Survey
The proposed City Charter Regulation has been developed by the Government of Alberta, the City of Edmonton, and the City of Calgary to “provide additional authorities and flexibility to the cities with the aim of building strong, vibrant cities that attract trade and investment.”
Lobbyists Act Review Committee Recommends Maintaining Exemption for Public-Benefit Nonprofits
Great news! Yesterday, the Standing Committee in charge of the Lobbyists Act review chose to maintain the exemption for public-benefit nonprofit organizations.