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.
Bringing Adaptive Capacity “to Life” in Calgary
Through my research, I determined the definition of adaptive capacity to be “the ability of an organization or system to proactively prepare for change.” For nonprofit organizations, being adaptive means to adjust the way they meet their missions while unpredictable changes occur around them.
Lessons in engaging Millennials from the German ‘welcome culture’
Over the last few weeks working with CCVO, I have often been asked what Canada can learn from the German nonprofit sector. Simultaneously, I have learned that many nonprofits in Calgary find it challenging to attract millennials as volunteers. This is why I decided to share some of my learnings from the German ‘welcome culture’ in this blogpost.
Why a German social entrepreneur wants to learn from CCVO
Canada has a well-developed social system, similar to Germany, but US influence on cross-sectoral cooperation is strong. Volunteering is woven into many peoples´ and business´ DNA in Canada, who see themselves as part of an active community. Calgary had to handle a severe economic downturn and the sector is aware that one has to find ways to adapt to political, economic, social, and technological challenges that will face us in the future.
Budget 2018: Signs of thinking differently, but still committed to status-quo
The Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (CCVO) was pleased to see Budget 2018 highlight the value of Alberta’s nonprofit sector. The provincial budget, released on March 22, includes the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s key strategies that place a priority on assisting nonprofits in building their human and financial capacity.
Building Adaptive Capacity Through Collaborative Impact
On March 6, Mount Royal University students in the Facilitating Social Innovation course were tasked with uncovering how CCVO can support nonprofits in Calgary to adapt and innovate – build adaptive capacity – through disruptive and transformational periods. The format, a World Café Community Conversation hosted by CCVO, was made possible through a partnership with Mount Royal University.
2018 Alberta Pre-Budget Submission
In advance of the Government of Alberta's 2018 Budget, CCVO has provided a pre-budget submission to give voice to a number of issues facing the nonprofit sector.
Nonprofit Leaders Meet With Minister Ceci for Budget Consultation
On January 17, 2018, CCVO brought together 25 community leaders from the nonprofit sector for a budget consultation with Alberta’s Minister of Finance, Joe Ceci. The consultation shed light on the sentiments of a diverse group of organizations representing the nonprofit sector in Calgary.
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.
Share Your Thoughts on Alberta's 2018 Budget
Alberta’s nonprofit sector makes our province a better place for all. As demand for services in some subsectors has continued to grow, shrinking individual and corporate donations have put pressure on some organizations’ ability to fulfill their missions.
Optimism Rises Among CCVO Members
Even though there’s a strong sense of optimism about our sector’s immediate future, leaders also have a range of important issues that keep them awake at night, including funding, governance, and policy/government relations.
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.”