2025.4EM HOUSE OF COMMONS RECOMMENDATION TO REMOVE ADVANCEMENT OF RELIGION AS A CHARITABLE PURPOSE
Whereas #1 the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance released Report 21, Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2025 Budget, containing
Recommendation #430 to amend the Income Tax Act to provide a definition of charity that would remove the advancement of religion as a charitable purpose; and
Whereas #2 more than 30,000 charitable organizations fall under the advancement of religion, comprising roughly 42% of the charitable sector; and
Whereas #3 religious charities provide essential support to Canadian society, fostering purpose, social cohesion, community support, and local volunteerism; and
Whereas #4 in these uncertain times, the Government of Canada should encourage the presence and participation of religious charities that foster hope, mutual support, and a sense of belonging, rather than taking steps to destabilize them; and
Whereas #5 in 2002, the National Council of Women of Canada urged the Government of Canada to amend the Income Tax Act to permit charities to advocate on behalf of society and its welfare, allowing up to 80% of their budgets for advocacy purposes to better promote a precautionary approach to public policy, encouraging the voluntary sector to advocate for preventative change without being unduly restricted from democratic public debate; therefore be it
Resolved #1 that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that in the “Income Tax Act, the Advancement of Religion” remain as a charitable purpose and organizations retain their charitable status for recognized religions; and be it further
Resolved #2 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to amend the definition of charity in the Income Tax Act by retaining the Advancement of Religion as a charitable purpose.