November 30, 2020
Some are calling for changes to Canadian charity rules for foreign activities
I wish I did not have to write this article about the Canadian rules around international philanthropy and foreign activities but unfortunately, a…
October 27, 2020
Foundation Magazine focus on WE Charity CSSG controversy
Foundation Magazine has focused on the WE Charity scandal in its latest edition. A number of different articles deal with different aspects of the…
September 20, 2020
CRA Charities Directorate slowly restarting revocation process and audits
For almost a year now (long before COVID) CRA has not revoked one single charity as a result of audit! Admittedly CRA typically in a year revokes…
August 28, 2020
Gospel for Asia, Bankruptcy Protection, and a Multi-Million Dollar Class Action
Recently, the CBC published an article entitled Charity Gospel for Asia files for creditor protection after $170M lawsuit. It is interesting that…
April 24, 2020
Special purpose fundraising for COVID-19 – be careful what you ask for!
Many groups are doing special purpose fundraising for COVID-19 in which they are specifically soliciting or accepting for COVID-19 related programs.…
April 20, 2020
Ontario PGT provides additional guidance on restricted gifts and COVID-19
The Ontario Public Guardian and Trustees has circulated today to some charity lawyers some additional information on dealing with restricted gifts…
April 14, 2020
If you want to understand the diversity of the Canadian registered charity sector
Most Canadians don't understand how diverse the Canadian charity sector is. The public sometimes has stereotypes of charities - those helping the…
April 6, 2020
What to do if you have cancelled an event due to COVID-19 and the charity has already issued a tax receipt?
In a previous blog entitled Corona Virus/COVID-19 charity issues - cancelling events, refunds and the possibility of a charitable donation, we…
April 2, 2020
How to make submissions to the Charities Directorate during COVID-19 closure – avoid faxes and couriers
While the Charities Directorate, as a non-essential department of the Canadian Revenue Agency ("CRA"), is currently closed until further notice due…
March 27, 2020
Ontario government companies branch and PGT are still operating
We checked with the Ontario Government today. The Companies Branch is still providing over-the-counter service and checking their mail. However,…
March 27, 2020
Some religious institutions are not closing and either conducting religious services or allowing them to happen
The CBC recently reported "Some Toronto-area mosques remain open despite dire warnings about COVID-19". This might be a problem for a number of…
March 16, 2020
CRA update on Coronavirus – expect the Charities Directorate to be largely closed until April 5, 2020
Here is a message below from the CRA Commissioner that was recently distributed to employees of the CRA. It does not specifically mention the…
March 3, 2020
The Coronavirus (Covid-19) and Canadian registered charities
We are watching as Covid-19 spreads across the world and there have been a number of cases in Canada. The situation is fluid and it is important that…