Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has given direction to his new Revenue Minister, Diane Lebouthillier, with regard to Canadian charities and political activity. Not only has he disbanded the former government’s ‘anti-charity hit squad’ that focused on charities and political activity that saw certain charities targeted for audits but he has asked for a modernization of the rules governing charities with regard to political activity. With no clear definition of ‘political activity’, charities must either take a chance or employ lawyers to assist them if they want to make sure they don’t run afoul of the rules.
Many charities are certainly breathing easier since the new government took power. However, charities must still ensure they are following the current laws. While CRA is sorting out its rules and hopefully providing some clarity, please refer to this post on the Board Voice website to help you determine appropriate political activities. We will keep you posted as this develops.