CCCC Signs Lawyers’ Letters Concerning Charitable Status

CCCC recently endorsed two lawyers’ letter outlining key concerns about charitable status in Canada.

One stems from CCCC engagement with other lawyers specializing in charity law. The other stems from CCCC engagement with other faith-based organizations, in this case Christian Legal Fellowship. Each presents different perspectives and focus on different issues.

The first takes a broad look at several 2024 proposals that raise concerns about politicizing charitable status. It brings together lawyers with a wide range of views on the underlying policy issues but who collectively agree on the need for a neutral and principles-based framework for the administration of the charitable sector and the application of tax law.

The second focuses on concerns specific to recommendations in a 2024 report from a former House of Commons Finance Committee. It highlights that advancing religion is a social good that benefits the public and that the recommendations undermine religious diversity and state neutrality.

CCCC Advocacy

We’ve detailed the report, its recommendations, and our response in a past blog post, CCCC Responds to Troubling Recommendations on Charitable Status. In sum, two of the report’s 462 recommendations were particularly concerning:

• Recommendation 429: no longer provide charitable status for anti-abortion organizations
• Recommendation 430: amend the Income Tax Act to provide a definition of charity which would remove the privileged status of advancement of religion as a charitable purpose.

We outlined our concerns over politicizing charitable status in our 2025 federal pre-budget submissions that call for the government to retract the recommendations, and in prior government communications (Mandate letters; CCCC Open Letter; Proposed Income Tax Act amendments; Sealing industry).

In June 2025 we also urged the Finance Minister to reject policies that politicize charitable status and instead set a new direction for charities in Canada; one that implements evidence-based policy, protects diversity and upholds the independence of the charitable sector.

Your Advocacy

Perhaps you’re wondering how your organization can be involved? Your story can make a difference. When you share how your ministry is bringing hope, you’re helping protect the freedom to do that work. Help politicians and decision-makers understand your organization, your clients, your community, and the amazing work you do. We know (and research proves!) that you have an outsized, positive impact in your neighbourhoods and communities. What better way to demonstrate the importance of advancing religion as a charitable purpose than through stories of hope, joy and impact.

Tell Your Story!

We also know that you’re very busy on the front lines of ministry. So to help you easily and quickly tell your stories, we’ve got a set of communications resources to support and guide you in effective communications. They will help you discover your organization’s value proposition, tell your stories with integrity, and walk you step by step through story development and impact assessment.

As we continue to speak up about the importance of protecting charitable status from political influence, these two letters show that diverse stakeholders share overarching concerns. They also emphasize how important it is to keep tax policy fair and neutral. You can add your voice to this effort by telling your organization’s story of how you serve, who you help, and why it matters. Together, by sharing real stories of hope, impact, and service, we can help protect the independence and diversity of Canada’s charitable sector for years to come.