QUESTION PERIOD — Industry
Not-for-Profit Classification
June 26, 2025
Government leader, as I mentioned yesterday during our exchange, Samidoun remains federally registered as a not-for-profit despite its designation as a terrorist organization. While you pointed to the Canada Revenue Agency’s role in regulating charitable status, it is Corporations Canada under Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, or ISED, that oversees the incorporation and legal standing of not-for-profit entities. Can you confirm whether ISED or Corporations Canada has the authority to suspend or dissolve a federally incorporated not-for-profit once it has been designated as a terrorist group? Why has no action been taken by this government?
Thank you for your question. I don’t know the answer to it, but I do know that the issue has been raised and is under consideration.
Senator Gold, we need action. We don’t need consideration. The minister responsible for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, or ISED, is Mélanie Joly, the same minister who, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, delayed listing Samidoun as a terrorist entity for years. If ISED has the authority to act against terrorist-linked not-for-profit organizations but hasn’t, isn’t that a failure of enforcement or a lack of political will? Will this government clearly instruct ISED to review its responsibilities in this matter and take action as quickly as possible?
As I said, senator, thank you for your question. My understanding is that the issue has been communicated, and the government will make an appropriate announcement when it has come to a conclusion.
