QUESTION PERIOD — National Revenue
Charitable Sector
December 12, 2024
Senator Gold, the holiday season is upon us — a time to gather in the spirit of generosity and compassion. Canadians continue to demonstrate their care for one another by supporting charities that uplift those most in need.
While charitable giving remains an essential part of our social fabric, a recent Fraser Institute study revealed that the percentage of Canadians donating to charity is at its lowest point in 20 years. This presents a chance to strengthen support for the sector and ensure they have the resources to fulfill their mission. The government has already taken important steps by committing up to $750 million to help charities emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.
How have these funds contributed to building capacity within the sector and improving outcomes for vulnerable Canadians?
Thank you, senator, for your question, for underlining the important work that charities do and, on a personal note, for your personal commitment to supporting the charitable sector for decades and decades in your previous career and to this day.
Through the Community Services Recovery Fund, almost 5,500 community service organizations from all parts of the country have received funding to build their organizational capacity and adapt to their recovery post-COVID-19. I don’t have time to list all of the projects or the impacts that they have had. Let me highlight a local group, if I may, colleagues: The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre’s Good Food Box program, which offers packed food boxes with an assortment of fresh fruit and vegetables to be sold to individuals and families at well below market prices, has allowed approximately 2,000 Ottawa residents to purchase 22.8 tons of affordable fresh produce.
It is great to hear that, and thank you for the compliment. I always do it for the good of the people.
While many Canadians continue to give, the institute’s findings suggest that the frequency and size of donations have declined. This presents an opportunity for innovation and growth within the charitable ecosystem. Beyond financial investments, how is the government fostering a more supportive environment for charities, one that reduces administrative burdens, removes barriers to giving and inspires Canadians to continue to make a difference in their communities?
Thank you. The federal government has already made structural changes to enable charities and not-for-profits to do work more easily in a friendlier regulatory environment. This includes allowing charities to fully engage in public policy dialogue and development free from harassment by politicians by amending the Income Tax Act some years ago, establishing a permanent Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector in 2019 to engage charities on policy and regulatory issues and allowing charities to provide resources to organizations that are not qualified donees beginning in 2022 so they can better serve —
