Fair Question.

What is a tax free charity and should they be able to do anything?

The recently published National Survey of Nonprofit and Voluntary Organizations (NSNVO) reports that there were over 161,000 registered charities and nonprofit organizations in Canada in 2003, the most current year for which data are available.

It's similar to the backlash against right-wing Political action committees (PAC) in US. These organizations can become so large that their original mandate needs looking at and possibly re-defining.

So how does this balance the budget.?

Holy crap Batman, you would think they would get rid of the useless Senate first but no, there's too many of our friends would be pissed.

Here's a thought

If I give a hungry man a fish they give me a tax deduction. If I ask why he's hungry, I lose the deduction. What Harper Conservative lunacy!

Skywalker

Asking why is not the issue. Allowing the importation of US lobbyists and their filthy lucre to ask the question, is.

As far as I'm concerned this should be the case for business as well. That's only fair.

Oh, my goodness,

it's a great deal more tricky than that. Essentially, US foundations give the Tides Foundation money, which gives money to Tides Canada which can give money to things like this website.
http://m.torontosun.com/2012/03/16/its-time-to-raise-the-curtain-?noimage=true

Make No Mistake

This isn't a Prime Minister worried about politics and charitable organizations - this is a PM concerned solely about charitable organizations who oppose his policies.

In other words, Stephen Harper is (ab)using his power to silence his personal critics. This from the first PM to be found in contempt of Parliament. No matter what side of the fence you sit on, this should alert everybody that we are in new and dangerous territory!

ps: I see that Churches' tax-free status continues to exist. Imagine the revenues we would have recovered from that alone.

Charitable Organizations!

Oh. My.
That is not your biggest boil Steve.
Though I have given a few years to "charity" overseas the last outfit I would back would be SinoPec or it's Japanese derivative. But our "Steve-in-Charge" somehow imagines clamping down on charities will build a pipeline that never leaks and a system of tankers will be somehow protected from grinding on the rocks?
Twilight Zone

NetZeroFair

We agree, let's try and remeber the date this happened shall we?

Of course these rules should apply to the Fraser Institute, but they won't.

Better Transparency

Hopefully it will go for what it was intended for. And transparency is still what the public require to avoid other hidden issue for the responsible individuals. Actos Cancer

another giant step towards fascism

Harper and his gang of thugs are trying to throttle democratic discussion and dissent.

See Ed Deak's numerous comments on the Tyee about where Harper is trying to take us---into a totalitarian nightmare.

I cannot believe the comments posted above. What does it take to see what is happening? We're all going to be working for nothing as our province and country is sold out from under us, and in an accelerating environmental catastrophe.

this is priceless

Just watching the National and the budget details and what the Oppositions focus maybe,or as the announcers seen it. Apparently the budget wasn't necessarily a big enough issue, for the Opposition that is, the old age change will mostly affect women not of much importance to the men on the hill, old women.

But HOT issues are robo calls and those planes that can't seem to make it to the launching pad and you got it rigged documents. Anyways as reporters discussed the environment and how never before had a prime minister had so little disregard for the environment and the reporter popped up and said Canadians will be okay with that because of the jobs.

So lets see Canadians will be more than happy to accommodate the very country who has under priced them and taken many of their valued jobs. How by polluting their environment and waters by keeping those dirty carbon fires glowing for a job they used to do?

The Crime Bill has got to go

I read today that a child rapist in BC was let free today because justice is undermined. All Harper's crime bill will do is let more child rapist free if they can't get it to the courts on time or follow proper procedures. If I had a wish it would be every time one of those fellows gets up to speak about the unspeakable could you dear Lord, would you just for me...and for you religious folks, please do not be offended I love you too....

Never Mind Tides

This is a slam against Kairos, MCC the Friends Society, and anyone who dares questions the absolute supremacy of Israel's right to rule the Middle East by diktat, regardless of what Christ said as he spoke truth to power.

MCC tried to ease tensions by keeping quiet about the matching-funding cuts imposed by CIDA last year, and by firing someone who tried to question this policy. This chicken-hearted approach has resulted in a small drop in donations from those in the know, and with luck, MCC will see that it cannot keep quiet about this shameless manipulation of charitable work that costs hungry, thirsty and sick people their lives in some of the poorest parts of the world.

Time for the church to grow up and grow a pair of stones. Not many people willing to hang upon a tree for their principles these days - not when charitable dollars are still so plentiful.

I agree Zalm it is much more.

Enbridge plans to spend $200 million with contributions from Sinopec to get the pipeline through but Harper worries about charitable contributions. All these charitable organizations should become political parties and then the tax credits would flow.

It seems in Harpers Fascist state you can not have a level playing field on any issue even environmental concerns. You disagree with Harper and they are going to get you in whatever way. That is what Robocalls were all about.

zalm

So you're saying that in all fairness that should apply to the 'temple and the 'mosque' as well?

What is the next step for our

What is the next step for our beloved and dear leader Kim Il Steve? If one makes a comment about a general strike or a revolution would he/she be declared a terrorist?

Ottawa and Orwell

Our dear Leader treats us like proles, the question is ; are we going to take it ?Come on all you radicals and enemies of the state, give old tubby a fitting end !

Thanks Frank...

I'm all for political groups - like Fraser, like the Tyee - to pay into the system. Sort of like "skin in the game".

True charities pay 100% into public services through their good deeds.

Let's get a grip.

So if I donate money to a charity that builds schools in another poorer country does it makes sense for that country to be upset that I am advancing an educated citizenry which might finally question how that poorer country is governed? What if it passes a law defining educating the poor as not in its interest? What if a Harper gets power over there?

Environmental effects don't stop at a border. Climate change stops at the 49th only in Herr Harper's mind.

And please don't post me links to the Ezra Levant garbage site.

Skywalker...

Advocating about climate change is NOT charitable.

Building schools IS.

Zero

Saving the planet for future generations without profit is not charitable? What planet do you live on?

Skywalker, political activism is not charitable.

Period.

Same planet as yours, bTW.

What part of "Common Good" is not understood on planet Zero?

"A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization (NPO). It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals (e.g. charitable, educational, religious, or other activities serving the public interest or common good).

The legal definition of charitable organization (and of Charity) varies according to the country and in some instances the region of the country in which the charitable organization operates. The regulation, tax treatment, and the way in which charity law affects charitable organizations also varies."

I guess Harper has just narrowed the definition to suit Harperland.

Fascism is alive and well in Canada . . . for the time being

"First they ignore you (minority governments), then they ridicule you (Oliver's letter), then they fight you (federal budget), then you win." -- Mahatma Gandhi

Harper and his fascists may win these skirmishes but will lose big time.

Of course charity is political

Who in the name of heaven would suggest it isn't?

There is, and there cannot be any justification for limiting political action by groups whose only funding is from donations - as long as Pee Wee is giving out tax credits for political contributions - and there is no indication that he's planning to stop that program - there is no logical reason for preventing donors to institutions who have as their purpose political action and change from providing tax deductions for their donors.

Attempting to save the planet from the kind of actions that governments and for-profit corporations engage in is, in any reasonable and logical metric - a charitable enterprise.

Hard to believe the Tories think we are all so dumb.

It is ironic that one side Enbridge and China can spend $200 million promoting a project plus has the vocal support of the government and these guys worry about environmental groups getting a few bucks from folks that don't live in Canada. They think that is democratic? Then they call people opposed terrorists and subversives, subvert the consultation process midstream, and lie about the benefits and we are suppose to believe the process is credible?

Defining "Charity"

First, some background:

From the CRA:

"The term charitable is not defined in the Income Tax Act, so we consider common law (court decisions) to determine what is charitable at law.
...

• the relief of poverty;
• the advancement of education;
• the advancement of religion; and
• certain other purposes that benefit the community in a way the courts have said is charitable. [examples given range from facilities for seniors to animal shelters];

"

On the subject of activities that disqualify an organization from being considered a charity, "political purposes" is defined as activities

that seek to:

• further the interests of a particular political party; or support a political party or candidate for public office; or
• retain, oppose, or change the law, policy, or decision of any level of government in Canada or a foreign country.

...
However, a registered charity can engage, to a limited extent, in non-partisan political activities which help accomplish the charity's purpose."

The budget pays lip-service to that idea, but then starts in on the boogieman of foreign interference in Canadian politics:

Given their unique perspectives and expertise, it is broadly recognized that charities make a valuable contribution to the development of public policy in Canada.
...
Recently, concerns have been raised that some charities may not be respecting the rules... .

Accordingly, to enhance charities’ compliance with the rules with respect to political activities, Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes that the CRA:

• Enhance its education and compliance activities with respect to political activities by charities.
• Improve transparency by requiring charities to provide more information on their political activities, including the extent to which these are funded by foreign sources.

These administrative changes will cost $5 million in 2012–13 and $3 million in 2013–14.

It is also proposed that the Income Tax Act be amended to restrict the extent to which charities may fund the political activities of other qualified donees ... .

My take:
With all those different definitions and priorities, I see two possible outcomes: one, nothing really changes except increased reporting requirements; or two, they change the law to be so strict on foreign donations and political advocacy that it ends up limiting the activities of a huge number of religious charities. And then the members of the Conservatives' cherished "base" scream bloody murder about activist judges who dare apply the law as it was written, equally to everyone.

{sigh}

That looked so much prettier on the preview function, which recognizes blockquote and list tags. When are you going to update the Hook to match the rest of the site, Tyeesters? It's been almost three years...

Amelia...

I hope for Option Two.

"retain, oppose, or change the law, policy, or decision of any level of government in Canada or a foreign country."

That's Fraser, that's CTF, that's The Tyee, that's Policy Alternatives.

Let's see how they respond when the Fraser Institute has to explain ANY tax preferences... while re-runs of Sun News performers play in the background, eh?

Harperossilini

Look, anyone who doesn't see the nefariousness behind this plan is just out to lunch, and does not know what they are defending. Again, this action, is so obvious a child could connect the dots. And please spare me all the debate over the nuances of CHARITABLE acts. Give me a break. This is being done for one thing, and one thing only - to stop any and all environmental organizations contributing in the public debate/review processes (what's left of them) to stop Northern Gateway and future tar sands development/pipeline expansion. Fascism doesn't come close to describing a move like this. Bullying is putting it way too mildly now, Harper has just progressed beyond the sandbox with a move like this.

This will backfire - Fraser Insitute, Ethical Oil, heck - even the Canadian Cancer Society - will never stand for it.

G West

In your mind.

That's not to say it's not a noble goal but charitable, c'mon.

When will Harper tell the churches to stop talking politics

I'll bet none of this money will be used to go after preachers who use their tax free pulpits to demand women be stripped of their right to determine their own health choices. Also there are many religious groups with seemingly deep pockets engaged in political interference in regards to everyone's right to be married and many of them have financial ties to evangelical churches in the USA.

Lets not forget that right now we have young people in jail whose crime was organizing a demonstration against the G8 summit in Toronto. No violence involved just organizing meetings and a justice system willing to call such meetings a conspiracy.

Look away nothing to see there. What about those Canucks eh?

At least Harper is going to help defund the Left...

Yup.

I'd recommend reading "Rescuing Canada's Right" to see where this policy came from.

Now note where Tasha Kheiriddin has been.

I know you can add two plus two.

@snert

You should have taken the trouble to read the whole of the post - understood in context - its meaning was clear.

I would have thought to everybody - A charitable organization is a non-profit organization - It tries to advance philanthropic goals, that is: charitable, educational, religious, or all other activities serving the public interest or common good.

I thought the connection between 'charity', the public good, politics and the preservation of the natural environment for the future of the earth would not be too difficult for anyone outside of Pee Wee's cabinet to appreciate.

Apparently I was wrong.

But what we really should be asking about

is, why does this have a resonance with some pople? Why did Harper get elected after having shown contempt for Parliament? Why do some people get a kick out of stuff and rights being taken away from others, even if it isn't subsequently given to them? Why? Why? Why? Until we figure that out, we will be barking against the wind. There were a sufficient number of Canadians, who elected this government. It wasn't me, and it wasn't you. But it's a piece of vital information, who and why. Do you really get it? There are people who like everything this governemt does, and it can't be just the one percent, for then they wouldn't have been elected. If it isn't possible to convince some of these people to change their mind, we have nothing. Our judicial system is all but useless, as it is going to be taken up with new definitions of petty, and not so petty, crime. Rights violations will be a distant 25th in that race! Vindictiveness and prissy self-righteousness springing, I believe, from fear, has become a political philosophy, not to mention a religion. We are one hairsbreadth away from theocracy, and it ain't the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! More like Struwwelpeter...

snert

"So you're saying that in all fairness that should apply to the 'temple and the 'mosque' as well?"

I'm not saying anything. I'm just trying to clean up my own closet before Harper nails the door shut.

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Shades of Gray

What is the difference between lobbying, advocacy, and a media campaign?

They all are intended to influence opinion and choice. If you influence the public you affect politics. If you influence politics you affect the public. There is little distinction between the three. If we are not careful, even articles like this may be considered lobbying.

But, it sure is an effective way to muzzle non-profit critics, just claim they are spending too much money on political lobbying. Easy to do if somebody actually decides a particular group's advertising or advocacy is too political for their liking.

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Harper is enormously bad for Canada

Only ~37% of the population voted for this sweet old boy, but only 1% should have--the super rich. However, I read somewhere that Harper had a drinking problem, so maybe the other 36% who voted for him had the same affliction. I think I read about this in the Ottawa Citizen which could have been experiencing a moment of utter clarity. If true, I doubt religion has anything to do with Harper's politics--except to stop feminism and economic equality in its tracks. People who drink too much don't think about things too deeply. They have lost their souls. Ergo, hanging around the likes of the Koch Bros., Conrad Black and other gangsters would seem OK to him.

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