November 2024 Legal Affairs Update
Thank You for Your Support!
Our Legal Department is always working diligently on your behalf to secure favourable outcomes and foster a regulatory environment that supports our members and the wider Christian charitable sector.
Thank you for your support! Your donation represents a commitment to the ongoing health and vitality of ministries that play a foundational role in our society. We invite you to contribute to the Legal Defence Fund, reinforcing our ongoing mission to advocate for fairness, religious freedom, and the rights of Christian charities to positively impact and enrich our communities.
The "CCCC" of What We've Been Doing
Charitable Status
Since Fall 2021, CCCC has actively monitored charitable status, speaking out against any attempts to politicize it, which would put any charity with different views or beliefs than the government at risk. A spring Senate Committee report about the sealing industry recommended revoking charitable status for organizations sharing misinformation or disinformation. CCCC takes no position and has no comment on sealing; however, we are always concerned about politicizing charitable status and voiced that concern in a letter to several cabinet ministers.
Charter Rights
Religious charities should have equal access to public spaces. That is the core of the issue in a court case against the Quebec government. A religious organization rented a government-owned facility for a conference, but the Minister of Tourism later cancelled the contract explaining that the event was against the fundamental principles of Quebec, which is resolutely pro-choice. The event was unrelated to pro-life or pro-choice issues. CCCC has applied to jointly intervene in this case to support robust protection of religious freedom.
Conferences
The International Center for Law and Religion Studies in Utah hosts an annual International Law & Religion Symposium. We were invited to speak in a panel presentation at this year’s Symposium, “Religious Freedom as a Tool for Peacemaking” where delegates from around the world gathered to discuss how freedom of religion models peacemaking by accepting and respecting fundamental disagreements, and how religious freedom has brought benefits into public life that might not otherwise exist.
Championing
We are always looking for ways to champion faith-based charities. In September, we participated in #NonprofitsOnTheHill in Ottawa to ensure representation for religious charities. Charity leaders from across the country came together in our nation’s capital to meet with Members of Parliament, Senators, Ministerial staff and others to discuss issues of importance in the charitable sector. We continue involvement with the Ontario Bar Association’s Charity and Not-for-Profit Law Section, as well as the Canadian Bar Association Charities and Not-for-Profit Law Section. Why? To ensure there is a faith-based perspective at the table for submissions, policy priorities and discussions. We also continue representing you in our consultations with CRA in the Technical Issues Working Group. Through involvement in legal and government advisory committees, we stand boldly for the Christian charitable sector, providing input on policies and priorities that impact our community.
Want to Know More?
Are you curious to know more about how our Director of Legal Affairs approaches advocacy? Read this Faith Today profile which explores Deina Warren's approach to practicing Christian faith and the law. You can also stay engaged with our progress and endeavours by subscribing to the CCCC Blog.
Looking Ahead, Together
Thank you for taking the time to read this update. As we look ahead to challenges and opportunities, your continued support through membership and donations is crucial for sustaining and expanding our advocacy efforts. To give to the Legal Defence Fund, please visit the Legal Defence Fund.
We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support.
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Previous Updates
Legal Affairs Update - June 2024
Legal Affairs Update - November 2023
Legal Affairs Update - June 2023
Legal Affairs Update - November 2022
Legal Affairs Update - June 2022
Legal Affairs Update - November 2021
Legal Affairs Update - June 2021
