Halifax, Nova Scotia, August 31, 2006... Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret's, today announced on behalf of the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue the signing of a contribution agreement with the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS) that will see charities create educational programs to support other charities in their efforts to meet their regulatory obligations. This is the first contribution agreement signed under the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) Charities Partnership and Outreach program, which will support compliance-related education and training projects for charities.
"Canada's new government is making it easier for charities to do their important work in their communities," said Mr. Keddy. "Charities play an invaluable role in helping Canadians and building our sense of community. The Charities Partnership and Outreach Program reinforces our recognition of the necessity of charitable giving, and the important contribution that the thousands of Canadian registered charities make in improving our society." Mr. Keddy also emphasized that Canadians must have access to information that makes laws understandable.
The Charities Partnership and Outreach Program is an important part of the Canada Revenue Agency's efforts to modernize the regulation of charities. The LISNS will educate, inform and raise awareness of registered charities in the Atlantic region with respect to their legal obligations under the Income Tax Act and its regulations. This initiative is a major milestone, innovative in its approach and well received by the voluntary sector. Charities or non-profit organizations can get more information about the Program and how to apply for funding by visiting the Web site at www.cra.gc.ca/charities.
To determine which projects to support, the CRA consulted members of the voluntary sector and other government departments before selecting the proposal submitted by the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia. In putting the Program's objectives into practice, LISNS will educate, inform and raise awareness among registered charities of their reporting responsibilities under the Income Tax Act, and will extend its reach beyond Nova Scotia to cover all four Atlantic Provinces.
"The Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia is proud to have been selected to undertake this important project," said Dan MacRury, Chair of the LISNS Board. "The benefits will be significant for charities in the Atlantic provinces - and across the country."
"Legal documents and forms can be intimidating and confusing," added Maria Franks, Executive Director of LISNS. "This initiative will go a long way to helping charities to navigate them."
Canada's new government recognizes the value of charitable giving and the important contribution that Canada's more than 82,000 registered charities make towards improving the quality of life in our nation. The federal government is working with its partners in the provinces and territories and the voluntary sector to improve the regulation of the charitable sector for the benefit of all Canadians.
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