2002:01EM CHARITABLE ADVOCACY
Whereas: the Income Tax Act severely limits the “advocacy” of a registered charity, i.e. to 10% of its budget, and this unduly restricts charities from participating in public policy debates; and
Whereas: there is no such restriction on business corporations; and
Whereas: both charities and businesses have a legitimate role to play in improving societal conditions, and charities have considerable expertise in this field; and
Whereas: it is far less expensive to government to invest in preventative measures, than to pay the costs of the cures; and
Whereas: charities have recommended that there be full disclosure of the extent of advocacy and that there also be a code of ethics to follow; and
Whereas: under current law many worthwhile, non-profit groups are prevented from achieving charitable status because of their advocacy role; and
Whereas: for society to benefit more fully from a “precautionary” approach to public policy, the voluntary sector should be encouraged to advocate for preventative change, rather than be unduly restricted from democratic public debate; therefore be it
RESOLVED: that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that charities be allowed, under Canadian Tax laws, to advocate on behalf of society, and for its good, through the use of up to 80% of their budgets for that purpose; and be it further
RESOLVED: that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to amend the Income Tax Act, so that charities may advocate on behalf of society and for its good, to permit charities to use up to 80% of their charitable funds for that purpose.