The CBC’s Jason Proctor wrote an article today on “Pandemic tests limits of religious freedom as churches set to fight B.C.’s COVID-19 rules in court: Group of churches claims public health measures unfairly target religious gatherings“. It quotes Mark Blumberg and CRA on the importance of registered charities complying with legal requirements in Canada or they can face CRA compliance action. Mark Blumberg also notes that they also may have to deal with civil litigation from survivors of COVID or their estates. It should be noted that out of 32,000 religious charities in Canada, very few are deliberately violating the public health restrictions.
If charities are interested we have through ATIP obtained a “draft” of the CRA guidance on religion. We sure hope that CRA releases the guidance to provide further information to charities that are “advancing religion”. Keep in mind that not everything in the name of religion is advancing religion.
Related Posts
April 25, 2024
Ontario Government reduces reporting by charities in Ontario to Ontario Public Guardian and Trustee
In October 2023, we wrote a blog entitled “Ontario Government proposing to remove requirement for charities to notify the OPGT when established”. It…
April 25, 2024
Federal Court of Appeal decision dealing with revocation of a fraternity charity
On March 21, 2024, the Federal Court Appeal provided a decision in Sigma Chi Canadian Foundation v. Canada (National Revenue) dealing with the…
April 21, 2024
Blackbaud presents “Charity Receipting in the Digital Age” with Mark Blumberg on April 25, 2024
Here is a description of the presentation: Charity Receipting in the Digital Age Thursday, April 25 at 1:00 pm EST For charities and…