Tentative ‘celebration’ after key amendments passed on non-qualified donees

“I am incredibly gratified that they saw the light and listened to the sector’s urging and activism,” said Senator Ratna Omidvar of the amendments

Why It Matters

For three weeks, charity and non-profit advocates have pushed MPs to pass amendments to legislation they say would make it harder for charities to fund non-qualified donees. Monday’s finance committee meeting was the moment to see whether their advocacy had paid off.

On Monday, the House of Commons finance committee approved two amendments to the Budget Implementation Act, which sector advocates say alleviate most of their major concerns about how the government is proposing to legislate funding relationships between charities and non-qualified donees. 

“Really substantial progress has been made,” said Bruce MacDonald, CEO of Imagine Canada, of the amendments. “We’ll wait and see what the CRA guidance looks like, but it’s pointed in the right direction.” 

The amendments come on the heels of three weeks of sustained advocacy on this issue, which brought a dozen charity sector representatives to Ottawa to make the case to MPs for legislative changes. 

The two approved amendments both relate to one section of the previous legislation, which advocates sa

Our social impact coverage and insights enrich thousands of change makers like you everyday. Sign up for a free account with Future of Good to continue reading this series.