West Coast reacts: Laws on charities’ activities to be confirmed

VANCOUVER, BC, Coast Salish Territories - West Coast Environmental Law Research Foundation welcomed a commitment by the Canadian government to move ahead this fall with legislation to confirm the right of charities to participate fully in public discourse. At the same time, the environmental law organization expressed disappointment that the federal government will appeal a recent Ontario court decision that had clarified that right.

“Under Canada’s tax laws, charities are very constrained in their public activities, while other organizations that receive more generous tax benefits – such as corporations – remain unrestricted,” said Andrew Gage, Staff Lawyer.

“Strong laws against smoking in public spaces, drunk driving and pollution were all proposed by charities, and Canada is strongest when many voices are heard. We’re glad that the federal government is finally moving on the recommendations of its expert panel to level this playing field.”

“At the same time, the government’s appeal of the Canada Without Poverty decision, which clarified that pursuing charitable purposes can include advocating for better laws, is a step in the wrong direction,” said Gage.

“Rather than appealing, the government should focus on legislative reform that affirms and builds upon Justice Morgan’s findings that constraining a charity’s public outreach and political activities prevents them from achieving legitimate charitable purposes.”

–30–

For more information, please contact:

Andrew Gage | Staff Lawyer, West Coast Environmental Law Research Foundation
250-412-9784, agage@wcel.org