Imagine Canada Re: Data Collection on Charitable and Nonprofit Sector

Imagine Canada Re: Data Collection on Charitable and Nonprofit Sector

Statistics Canada is conducting consultations during the week of October 15-19, in an effort to modernize the way they collect, use and disseminate data, as well as to gather input on information needs, what data is collected and how its used.

Statistics Canada historically collected and disseminated data about the size, scope, financing, and human resources of the charitable and nonprofit sector through the Satellite Account of Non-Profit Institutions and Volunteering. The Satellite Account was discontinued in 2008.

Currently we don’t have up-to-date data to accurately describe the extent of the sector’s contribution. It is critical that we have up-to-date data in order to understand our contribution, advocate for improved operating environments and influence public policy, especially given the sector’s role in helping the government achieve its policy objectives around inclusive innovation and economic growth.

You can help by taking part in the consultations and urge Statistics Canada to collect and analyze data on the social purpose sector. Email Statistics Canada if you would like to participate in the consultation activities or for more information.

Click here to learn more about our sector-wide data strategy and read our letter that was sent to Minister Bains in August requesting support in obtaining important data on the charitable and nonproft sector.

Finance Canada Commences 30-Day Consultation on Income Tax Act Amendments

Finance Canada has released a 30-day consultation on the draft legislative proposals to the Income Tax Act. The Government of Canada is following through on the August 15th announcement to amend the Act. These changes are intended to be consistent with Recommendation 3 of the Report of the Consultation Panel on the Political Activities of Charities, and acts as a response to the recent judicial ruling.

The draft legislative proposals would remove the quantitative limits (often referred to as the “10% rule”) on political activities under the Act. Under the draft legislative proposals, charities would still be required to operate for exclusively charitable purposes and the restrictions against partisan political activities would remain.

Canada Revenue Agency will soon release administrative guidance to the charitable sector on how it would implement the legislative proposals. The government intends to introduce legislation following the consultation period.

Have your say! Send your comments on the draft legislative proposal to fin.charity-bienfaisance.fin@canada.ca by October 13, 2018.

CCVO will continue to provide updates on any legislative changes to the Act.

Political Activities…Revisited … Again Drache Aptowitzer LLP

Political Activities…Revisited … Again Drache Aptowitzer LLP October 2018
The issue of charities engaging in political activities has been a hot item since 2012. In that year the Harper Government gave $8 million to the CRA Charities Directorate to begin what has been termed the “political activity audits”. Budget 2012 also tightened up the political activity rules which were already in place.
It is important to remember that this discussion begins with the Scarborough Legal Services case in 1985 which held that activities intended to influence public policy did not qualify as charitable. Shortly after that case the Federal Government passed a relieving provision intended to ameliorate the Scarborough decision by allowing charities to use up to 10% of their resources to engage in political activities. The thinking was that charities are often on the .

Canada Revenue Agency

The mailing address for the Registered Charity Information Return (T3010) will be changing on October 8, 2018.

The new address is:
Charities Directorate
Canada Revenue Agency
105 – 275 Pope Road
Summerside PE C1N 6E8

Please note that this change applies only to the annual return. All other correspondence should be sent to:

Charities Directorate
Canada Revenue Agency
Ottawa ON K1A 0L5

They ask that you mail your returns to the new address if you are filing the T3010 on or after October 8th. Before this date, all returns should be directed to the Ottawa address.

Imagine Canada Early Alerts October 2018

Highlights

Parliamentary Committee Work
The Senate Special Committee studying the charitable sector will meet again on September 24 at 6:30 pm. You can watch the meeting here.

LEGISLATION Debates, Bills, and Motions
Second reading debate began on September 19 in the House of Commons for Bill C-81, the Accessible Canada Act. This bill would require organizations under federal jurisdiction to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility, including those related to the built environment, employment, information and communications technology, the procurement of goods and services, the delivery of programs, and transportation.

Initiatives to Support Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous Services Canada has announced $68 million to support First-Nations led health transformation by identifying and designing service delivery solutions tailored to First Nations community’s needs.

Senate Special Committee
The Senate Special Committee studying the sector kicked off the fall with two solid days of hearings on September 17 and 18. A broad range of sector organizations, including Imagine Canada, testified on issues like fundraising and philanthropy, social innovation and finance, and grant and contribution reform. Transcripts of the sessions are not yet available, but both sessions are available to watch. (Click here for September 17, and here for September 18.) Imagine Canada submitted a written brief to the Special Committee as well. We will share that once it’s available in both official languages.

Alberta to fund green upgrades for non-profits Sarah Rieger CBC News Sep 26, 2018

Alberta to fund green upgrades for non-profits Sarah Rieger · CBC News · Posted: Sep 26, 2018 4:40 PM MT | Last Updated: September 26 Non-Profit Energy Efficiency Transition (NEET)
Environment Minister Shannon Phillips announced the latest step in the Non-Profit Energy Efficiency Transition (NEET) Programat the single-day Alberta Climate Summit Currently through NEET — which is overseen by provincial agency Energy Efficiency Alberta — non-profits can receive audits to identify opportunities to save on energy costs.The next step in the program will see the government working with contractors to purchase and install the needed upgrades, which could be everything from LED light bulbs to new furnaces or solar energy systems. …

CRA loses court challenge to its political-activity audits of charities CBC News

CRA loses court challenge to its political-activity audits of charities CBC News July 2018
Ontario judge’s ruling wipes out section of Income Tax Act limiting political activity by charities
Monday’s ruling immediately quashes a longstanding rule limiting to 10 per cent the resources any Canadian charity is permitted to devote to political activities….

Response from CCVO July 2018
Freedom of Expression Rules the Day for Canadian Charities..

Burns Memorial Fund The Experience of the Collaborative Funders’ Table: A Learning Brief

Burns Memorial Fund The Experience of the Collaborative Funders’ Table: A Learning Brief
This learning brief is designed for grant-making and other funding organizations engaged in or thinking about participating in a funding collaborative. It describes the CFT funding model and processes, highlights lessons learned and challenges that arose along the way, and captures the impact and benefits of collaborative funding. The CFT members hope that sharing these experiences will help to inform other efforts to collectively increase the impact of investments in social change. To view the learning brief, please click on the image below.

The Standing Committee on Finance has launched its Pre-Budget Consultations Submissions Deadline August 3, 2018

The Standing Committee on Finance has launched its Pre-Budget Consultations in advance of the 2019 budget. Written submissions of no more than 2,000 words can be submitted to the Committee until Friday, August 3, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

Imagine Canada Early Alert May 2018

Report Released on the Federal Role in Social Finance
he report identified ways federal funding will allow social finance funds to indirectly support charities and non-profit organizations in expanding their programs, as well as assisting social enterprises, including those created by charities and non-profits, to address social needs with innovative solutions and financing from a range of investors… Read Report Here

Parliamentary Committee Work
The Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector met last Monday to look at the economic impact of charities and nonprofits, as well as the synergistic relationship between the economy and charities in Canada. The committee heard from Brian Emmett, Chief Economist for the Charitable and Nonprofit Sector, as well as Catherine Van Rompaey, the Director of National Economic Accounts Division of Statistics Canada. You can watch the full meeting here… Watch Full Meeting Here

View Imagine Canada Early Alerts May 2018 for Additional Updates

CCVO’s 2018 Alberta Nonprofit Survey Now Open!

What opportunities and challenges is your organization facing?
CCVO’s Alberta Nonprofit Survey takes an annual snapshot of the health and experience of Alberta’s nonprofits to capture information on finances, demand for programs and services, staffing, and the future economic outlook of organizations. It is the only source of Alberta-specific research on the experience of the nonprofit sector.
Questions in the 2018 survey focus on employment standards, minimum wage, and the upcoming provincial election. Survey results will be used not only by government and nonprofits, but also for CCVO to create new resources to support your policy work better.
Participate in this year’s survey to help us learn more about your organization’s experience and have your say in what you would like to see addressed by the political parties in May 2019’s provincial election. Your answers allow us to continue to advocate on behalf of the sector.
Time to complete: 15 minutes
Dates open: May 1 – May 31
Results released: Fall 2018

New From City of Lacombe: Online Volunteer Handbook

Due to the changing nature of volunteerism in Alberta, the City of Lacombe recognized the need to create an online volunteer handbook that provides resources for volunteers and resources for managing volunteers, as well as community information and trends. This online handbook provides links with answers to the many questions that may arise within volunteer positions and not-for-profit organizations, and provides resources for both new and experienced volunteers. Here you can also find community information, as well as recent Canadian and Albertan trends pertaining to volunteerism.

Charities and giving – What’s new

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has released two new educational products:

  • Find out whether you can issue official donation receipts for your charity’s annual golf tournament. Watch the new video in the Gifting and receipting series: Golf tournaments.
  • Learn how to calculate the amount to write on your donation receipts by reading the new graphic educational tool: Hosting a golf tournament?

NPQ: Study Looks at Funder Culpability in Nonprofit Failure

Excerpt Study Looks at Funder Culpability in Nonprofit Failure By Steve Dubb | April 23, 2018
Managing cash, of course, is a major challenge for all businesses—and certainly for nonprofits. This past week, Open Road released its Roadblock Analysis Report, which looks at all 102 groups from across the world that it has funded and asks an important question: “Why did the nonprofits we funded need cash flow assistance in the first place?”…

An Evening with Mayor Nenshi – CCVO April 26, 2018

CCVO excited to share with you this invitation to be part of an engaging conversation with Mayor Nenshi. On April 26, CCVO is convening an evening event for nonprofit professionals to speak with Mayor Nenshi. We will explore opportunities for Calgary’s nonprofit sector to work together with the City and advance the relationship with our municipal government. I hope you can join us. Please register using the link below.

Calgary April 26, 2018

5:30 – 6:30 pm   Nonprofit Networking Reception

6:30 – 8:00 pm   Discussion with the Mayo

Alberta Non-profits Unaffected by New Lobbyists Amendment Act.

The Government of Alberta introduced legislation to amend the Lobbyist Act and strengthen rules and regulations around lobbying activity.
Edmonton and Alberta non-profits should take note that these proposed amendments will not affect the current exemption in place for public benefit non-profits.
Click here to read more of the announcement April 16, 2018 including where to direct inquiries

SAGE Community Based Organization Data Readiness Survey

Secondary Analysis to Generate Evidence (SAGE) is conducting an assessment of the needs of the non-profit community and we would really appreciate your input in the questions below! SAGE is a data repository developed by PolicyWise for Children & Families to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders via linking, managing, and sharing of sensitive data in an ethical manner.

Drache Aptowitzer LLP – News from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

News from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) By:  Kara Johnson
RECEIPT REQUIREMENT CHANGE

In our January (2018) newsletter, we highlighted the importance of charities producing receipts for charitable donations that conform to the requirements of the law for proper receipting. Justice Campbell Miller reiterated the seriousness of a failure to comply with the Regulations of the Income Tax Act in Madamidola v. the Queen 2017 TCC 245.

One element that must be present on an official receipt is the name and website address of the Canada Revenue Agency. The website address ….

The Edmonton Volunteer Fair April 14, 2018

The Edmonton Volunteer Fair April 14, 2018 is an opportunity to not only raise awareness of your organization but to recruit new volunteers as well.

What We Heard Report

Last week, Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development announced the release of the What We Heard report which summarizes the diverse viewpoints of Canadians and ideas on what it will take to reduce poverty in Canada.

Open Government, Engagement and Policy-Making in Canada Calgary 6 March 2018 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM MST

Share your thoughts on how the Government of Canada can ensure open government and citizen engagements are meaningful, inclusive, and effective contributions to the policy-making process. In addition to the overview, and if there is enough interest, there may be  specific discussions on the Open Government Plan related to different sectors  Calgary 6 March 2018 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM MST

Drache Aptowitzer LLP on Risks and Liabilities

Do Your Subcontracting Agreements Adequately Allocate Risk? By: Sylvie Lalonde February 2018
When average Canadian taxpayers pay attention to the receipts issued to them by Canadian charities to which they have donated, it is probably for two reasons…

Directors’ Liability for Source Deductions By: Arthur Drache February 2018
The recent melt-down of the world-wide equity markets may have a negative impact on charities which are (were?) fortunate enough to have substantial investments, particularly where income from those investments is used to fund the charitable activities on an ongoing basis. But if there is a cash squeeze, directors should be aware that the…

See all articles from February 2018 Charity Law Insights

 

New Article from Drache Aptowitzer LLP Voluntary Disclosure and the Difference Between Non-profit and Registered Charities

Voluntary Disclosure and the Difference Between Non-profit and Registered Charities
In the legal profession, we know what to do if we have made a mistake. Those that regulate us (Law Societies across the country) remind us about our professional obligations, how to control the damage and the importance of seeking help as soon as a mistake is discovered. So, what do we advise our non-profit and registered charity clients when they tell us they have made a mistake, or more commonly, when we have found through our review of their organization that they have made a mistake involving the provisions of the Income Tax Act ?…

Standford Social Innovation Review Winter 2018

Standford Social Innovation Review Winter 2018
Building a Canadian Social Finance Fund Government and its partners can achieve transformative change by taking a big leap By Stephen Huddart & Tim Draimin Winter 2018
Excerpt: A social finance fund in Canada would stimulate innovation in the public service and bring new dynamism to the social sector, renewing the relationship between government, philanthropy, and the private sector at a time when meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals demands an all-out effort. Transformative change will require not only collaboration within government and across sectors, but also new sources of capital, new approaches to managing risk, and new uses of data..

ALIGN Bulletin Human Service Agencies and Christmas Considerations December 2017

With the holidays come many considerations for human service agencies. Find out more about the legalities of office parties, staff mental wellness, the ethics around accepting gifts and more!

Imagine Canada – New 2017 Study

The study from Imagine Canada 2017 profiles data from 56 Imagine Canada Caring Companies and LBG Canada companies. In 2016, these leading businesses invested $468 million with an average contribution to charities of 2.5 per cent of pre-tax profits…

Government of Canada – Speech from Minister Jean-Yves Duclos at the 10th Social Finance Forum

November 10, 2017 “The Government of Canada is committed to developing a Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy – not simply for Canadians, but with Canadians.” The minister hailed social finance and social innovation as ways to solve big problems and helping those most in need…

Alberta Findings – Vital Signs Reports October 2017

So far, twenty-two community foundations across Canada helped shed a light on local priorities  during Vital Signs week this October by getting word out about their Vital Signs reports. Meanwhile, even more foundations are hosting Vital Conversations to get communities talking about how to put this vital knowledge into action.As more and more communities join the Vital Signs movement, they collectively help paint an increasingly detailed picture of the strengths and challenges facing Canada today.

National report on belonging
Community reports across Canada

Calgary

Poverty, stress and high prices worry Calgarians in Vital Signs report

Editorial: Building a stronger city

Edmonton

Nearly one-fifth of Edmontonians feel socially isolated: Report

Lethbridge

Vital Signs takes pulse of city, area well-being

Northwestern Alberta

2017 NW Alberta’s Vital Signs report released

Crime still considered region’s top issue: Vital Signs

Canada Social Report – October 2017 Federal and Provincial/Territorial Policy Monitors

Monitoring the daily policy announcements of Canadian federal and provincial/territorial governments provides both a searchable record of action and a dynamic view of the country’s social policy priorities. Now Available Canada Social Report – October 2017 Federal and Provincial/Territorial Policy Monitors

2017 Alberta Nonprofit Survey

CCVO 2017 Alberta Nonprofit Survey  is the only source of province-wide “state of the sector” research that documents the ongoing experience and health of the nonprofit sector.The completed report is frequently used to help inform the decision-making of nonprofit leaders and boards, the Government of Alberta, foundations, and community stakeholders.

SAGE New Report “Law & Governance of Secondary Data Use: Obligations of Not-For-Profit Organizations in Alberta”

SAGE is excited to announce that, with the support of PolicyWise, Kiran Pohar Minhas has produced a report titled “Law & Governance of Secondary Data Use: Obligations of Not-For-Profit Organizations in Alberta”. This is a new and innovative area and the paper presents the legal and governance issues for, and the obligations of not-for-profits when sharing and re-using information beyond data collection for service delivery. The report aligns with SAGE’s vision of building data management capacity in the community services sector.

Stats Canada Online Chat Session to Discuss Latest 2016 Census Data

Stats Canada Online chat session to discuss the latest 2016 Census data! Friday, August 4, 2017 12:30 to 13:30
As Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary, Statistics Canada will publish the latest chapter in the story of our country and its people. The third series of results from the 2016 Census of Population will be released on August 2, 2017, on Statistics Canada’s website (www.statcan.gc.ca). These results will focus on the language distribution of the Canadian population, as well as families, households, and marital status in 2016. Want to learn more? Join our chat session with Statistics Canada experts to discuss these findings!

Canada Revenue New Videos from Gifting and Receipting Video Series

As a part of the Canada Revenue Agency’s continued effort to clarify the rules and terms that commonly confuse charities, the Charities Directorate has recently made available  an educational series on “gifting and receipting”. This series is intended to help charities learn about the rules that relate to receipting and the types of donations in which registered charities can issue a donation receipt  Check out the latest videos!

Drache Aptowitzer LLP Newsletter July 2017

Drache Aptowitzer LLP Newsletter July 2017 has some great articles for charities! Here are just two

Powers and Limits of an Executive Committee July 2017
It’s a very common practice, especially in organizations with larger boards, to have a subgroup of the directors form an executive committee that makes core decisions. But some caution must be exercised when deciding which powers to delegate to an executive committee – or indeed, to any subgroup of directors. Depending on the law that an organization is formed under, there may be restrictions on which of the directors’ powers can be delegated rather than exercised as a full body…

Withholding July 2017
Charities spend a great deal of time and energy focusing on audits from the Charities Directorate. While this attention on the Directorate is justifiable it is important to recognize that charity regulation is only one function of the Canada Revenue Agency (the “CRA”) and that charities are answerable to the CRA for many of its activities. One particularly troublesome area seems to be the T4 habits of charities. Even where there is no issue with a specific expenditure on a particular individual for a charitable activity….

Canada Social Report: September 2017 Federal and Provincial/Territorial Policy Monitors

Canada Social Report:
A Compendium of Social Information

Originally inspired by the dismantling of the long-form Census in 2010, the Canada Social Report acts as a major hub for social information.  It is a resource for the entire social sector – to give all of us a strong voice and a powerful evidence base for informed policy conversations and the formulation of intelligent policy solutions.

See the September 2017 Federal and Provincial/Territorial Policy Monitors, and the spring 2017 edition of the Municipal Monitor

CYDL Releases New Reports From the Longitudinal Study Experiences of Alberta Children and Youth Over Time, 2005-06 to 2010-11.

Four new reports have been released from the CYDL’s longitudinal study, Experiences of Alberta Children and Youth Over Time, 2005-06 to 2010-11. This longitudinal, cross-ministry study is an analysis of over two million Albertans and their use of government services over the span of six years.

Findings like those shown in the infographic above can be found in four new reports:

The longitudinal study is ground-breaking in it’s multi-year, cumulative approach to the service use of Albertan children and youth as studying experiences over several years of development adds a valuable level of richness.

All current deliverables from this project can be accessed here.

Imagine Canada -Special Senate Committee on Charities and Nonprofits Proposed

Imagine Canada – Special Senate Committee on charities and nonprofits proposed
As previously reported, Senator Terry Mercer has introduced a motion that, if approved, would see a Special Committee formed in the Senate with a mandate to carry out a wide-ranging study on the future of the charitable and nonprofit sector. On June 2, Senator Mercer kicked off the debate on this motion, outlining the kind of issues he hopes would be considered, including the future of philanthropy, the legal and regulatory framework, financial sustainability, labour force development, and volunteerism. The Committee would hold hearings over an 18-month period and present a report in late 2018.

In the coming days, Imagine Canada plans to write to all Senators encouraging them to support the motion. They encourage you to reach out to Senators in your region to express your support for this initiative.

Related

Senate Motion Introduced to Review Impact of Charitable Sector on Canada – AFP May 27, 2017
Senator Terry Mercer, CFRE, has introduced a motion to appoint a Special Committee that would examine the impact of laws and policies governing charities, and to review the impact of the entire sector on Canada.

The Special Committee would be created specifically to “examine the impact of federal and provincial laws and policies governing charities, nonprofit organizations, foundations, and other similar groups; and to examine the impact of the voluntary sector in Canada.”

Imagine Canada Survey – How Can the Canada Summer Jobs Program Be Improved for Nonprofits?

This brief survey serves to understand your organization’s experiences with the Canada Summer Jobs program. Please ensure that the best suited person at the organization (someone with experience in applying to the program—CFO, CEO, HR lead, or Program Director) answers the survey.

CRA Report of the Consultation Panel on the Political Activities of Charities

CRA Report of the Consultation Panel on the Political Activities of Charities March 31, 2017
A Consultation Panel on the Political Activities of Charities was appointed by the Minister of National Revenue in September 2016. This report presents the Panel’s recommendations which are designed to clarify and broaden the ability of charity’s to engage in political activities for charitable purposes while remaining absolutely nonpartisan…

Alberta Gets a “C” on Social Performance

The Conference Board of Canada on Canada’s Social Performance
Canada is a “B” performer and places 10th overall on our society report card, but poor rankings relative to peer countries on income inequality and poverty highlight the scope for improvement. Ten indicators were used to evaluate the overall social performance of Canada and 15 peer countries. Canada is a middle-of-the-pack performer on most of the indicators—it gets two “A”s, five “B”s, and three “C”s…

Share Your HR Strategy Story

Share your story on innovative HR strategies being used successfully by nonprofit organizations across Canada for a chance to win up to $500 in team-based professional development for your nonprofit organization. They’ll also be turning the best stories into a range of video, audio and social media content, giving you and your organization national exposure.

The 2017 Alberta Nonprofit Survey is Now Open!

CCVO 2017 Alberta Nonprofit Survey
The Alberta Nonprofit Survey is conducted annually by the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations. It is the only source of province-wide “state of the sector” research that documents the ongoing experience, evolution, and health of the nonprofit and charitable sector. The final report is frequently used to help inform the decision-making of nonprofit leaders and boards, the Government of Alberta, foundations, and community stakeholders. This year’s survey includes questions provided by the Government of Alberta.

Newly Released 2017 Canadian Nonprofit Sector Salary & Benefits Report

Charity Village – Newly released 2017 Canadian Nonprofit Sector Salary & Benefits Report reveals current compensation trends
Compensation at nonprofits across the country continues to rise slowly for some nonprofit professionals, according to the new 2017 Canadian Nonprofit Sector Salary & Benefits Report. To better understand nonprofit compensation, we surveyed more than 1,000 participants who represented more than 14,000 individual employees from nonprofits across Canada. The results are gathered in our 2017 salary and benefits report, now available for online purchase.

CSAE Canadian Association Financial Operations Report

CSAE Canadian Association Financial Operations Report is designed to help your not-for-profit organization benchmark and confidently justify its expense allocations. This is an extraordinary comparative tool on financial operating ratios and expenses within Canada’s not-for-profit community. Based upon primary research, the report provides an in-depth look into key operating ratios within Canada’s association sector and serves as a reliable benchmarking tool on revenue sources and expenses. The report’s data is segmented by organizational type, size and geographic location.

Imagine Canada Making Sure your Charity Reports Political Activity Correctly

The latest Sector Monitor survey (Dec 2016) found that far more charities are engaging in political activities than has commonly been believed. Fully 31% of charities responding to the survey indicated they had engaged in at least one political activity over the previous year. However, only about one in ten of them reported this political activity to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on their T3010 Information Return. To help charities avoid this pitfall, we look at reasons for this under-reporting and offer some practical tips to aid reporting.

Drache Aptowitzer LLP Charity Updates January 2017

Community Interest Corporations and Community Contribution Companies By: Sukhdeep Singh Sembi
As our readers know the new government has taken steps to revamp the restrictions on political activities by charities, by dismantling the political activities audit program and by promising a new approach following consultation with the public and members of the charities industry. It is important however to note that the changes may not only effect the charity realm…

Receipting Issuing and Donor Goodwill By: Arthur Drache, C.M., Q.C.
Each year in January and February we review our list of charitable donations made and start checking to see whether we have received receipts for the donations. Over the years we have found that inevitably there will be some problems though generally the issuing of receipts has become more expeditious with the advent of internet donations which usually generate fairly swift issuing of receipts by e-mail…

Charter Challenge to Political Activities of Charities By: Alexandra Tzannidakis
When the Liberals came into power last year, the new Minister of National Revenue announced that she was putting a halt to the “political activities” audit of charities that the previous administration had been conducting for the past few years. In practice, this meant that the charities in line to be audited under the program were given a reprieve, but those that were already in the course of being audited were not. One of the latter charities, Canada Without Poverty (“CWP”), is now bringing a constitutional challenge against the political activities law…

Head in the Cloud, and Books and Records on the Ground By: Kara Johnson
If someone asked you “where” your cloud storage is, would you know the answer? The “cloud” is the common term used when data is stored remotely but yet accessible (to your multiple devices) through the internet. Given that the data is now ‘remote’ we often receive questions from clients as to whether keeping books and records in this way meets their obligation under the Income Tax Act…

CRA’s Report on the Charities Program 2015-2016 is now available.

Report on the Charities Program
In a January 2016 news release, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, committed to sharing more information with the public and the charitable sector about the regulation of charities. The Canada Revenue Agency created the Report on the Charities Program to help fulfil the Government’s pledge to openness and transparency

Call to Action: Charities and Political Activities Nov. 2016

Call to Action: Charities and Political Activities
Imagine Canada has taken a lead role in developing a charitable sector position on this topic and has released a framework containing recommendations intended to add clarity to existing rules and CRA communications

•Review CRA’s Online Consultation Download the Imagine Canada Framework from their resource page

• Participate in  Webinar on Nov. 21, hosted in partnership with the Pembina Institute, Alberta Ecotrust, and Imagine Canada.

•Develop your own submission or use Imagine Canada’s template and send your comments to consultation-policy-politique@cra-arc.gc.ca.

The deadline for submissions is December 14,2016  (revised date)

New Canadian Charity Database Launched Charitydata.ca

The charity sector in Canada is vitally important. Charitydata.ca provides some information on registered charities as disclosed by those charities in their T3010 annual return. Canadian Charity Lawyer Mark Blumberg has launched Charitydata, a database that provides information from CRA T-3010 returns. This portal provides select financial and operational information on Canada’s 86,000 plus charities for up to ten years. This site provides quick, easy access to some ‘dashboard’ information which will be of interest to a variety of stakeholders. Of course we continue to encourage those wanting to learn more about a given charity to reach out to them for the full story.

Mark Blumberg’s article “CRA consultation on political activities – to submit or not to submit?” November 3, 2016

CRA New Educational Video Series “Gifting and Receipting”

CRA New Educational Video Series “Gifting and Receipting”
The Charities Directorate is pleased to announce that the first educational video of our new “Gifting and receipting” series is now available. Learn about the types of donations for which registered charities and other qualified donees can issue a tax receipt, and the various rules on receipting.

Watch the Gifting and receipting 101 video on the Videos and recorded webinars for charities and donors webpage, or on  YouTube  for a better resolution.

The Carbon Levy – Impacts for Non-profits and Charities 2016

CCVO info emailed July 29, 2016

Last month we informed you that the Ministry of Environment and Parks has committed to forming a working group tasked with understanding the impact of the carbon levy within Alberta’s nonprofit and charitable sector. This working group was to consist of representatives from the sector along with ministry personnel/subject matter experts. The non-profit charitable sector representation on the working group will consist entirely of front-line organizations that will be assembling this working group in the coming weeks. If you would like to connect to this group and/or provide feedback, please contact Ms. Karen Young, Executive Director, Engagement, with the Alberta Climate Change Office. Ms. Young can be reached at 780-644-5708 and at Karen.Young@gov.ab.ca . Finally, in case you’ve missed it, the Alberta Energy Efficiency Advisory Panel has published a discussion document and is seeking input until September 30, 2016.   Submissions can be made via email to energyefficiency@gov.ab.ca. We have been advised that this channel also serves as a means of providing feedback on Alberta’s carbon levy.

CRA Releases Infograph to Assist Charities with Annual Filings 2016

CRA Releases Infograph to Assist Charities with Annual Filings
The continued effort to simplify correspondence to taxpayers from the CRA has recently resulted in the agency publishing an infograph to help charities understand when their annual filings are due. Charities must file the T3010 information return within six months of its fiscal year-end. The process is slightly more complicated when the charity’s fiscal year-end …..

Summary of Conversations on the Future of Policy Advocacy by Charities in Canada 2016

In May 2016, 73 charity sector leaders and experts gathered in Calgary to discuss the sector’s vision for how public policy advocacy by charities can be regulated by government. A summary of these leaders’ conversations was published this week in an article by Allan Northcott. CCVO participated in the event in May, and are currently on a working group convened by Imagine Canada on the topic of political activities.