Readout: Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector – January 29, 2024
The Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector (ACCS) met virtually on January 29, 2024.
Soren Halverson, Assistant Commissioner of the Legislative Policy and Regulatory Affairs Branch of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), opened the meeting by taking a moment to acknowledge the traditional land and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People, as well as the traditional territories from which attendees joined across Canada. He acknowledged that January 29 is the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia, which serves as a good reminder that that there is more work needed to eradicate Islamophobia, and all forms of hate, discrimination, and prejudice in Canada.
The sector co-chairs, Sheherazade Hirji and Kevin McCort, provided brief opening remarks noting that the purpose of the meeting was for the four working groups to provide an update on their work since the October meeting. The co-chairs highlighted the importance of having a meaningful and substantive discussion on the revisions that were made to the recommendations subsequent to the October meeting, particularly since there is an expectation for the committee to provide advice or recommendations to the Minister by April 30, 2024.
Next, each of the four ACCS working groups had an opportunity to provide an update on their work since October 2023, as well present their revised or refined positions or recommendations to the committee. The working groups are:
- Definition of charity and charitable purpose working group (DCCPWG)
- Transparency and data related to other qualified donees and non-profit organizations working group (TDWG)
- Relationship between the CRA and the charitable sector working group (CRACSWG)
- National inherent risk assessment working group (NIRAWG)
Using the advice, guidance and feedback from the October meeting, each working group provided a detailed overview of their subsequent research or work and their revised recommendations. The purpose of this discussion was to ensure all ACCS members were still in support of the recommendations subsequent to any revisions or changes, and had a good understanding of the recommendations being put forward by each working group.
The working group discussion was followed by a brief roundtable and a discussion on next steps. The ACCS agreed that the report should be reviewed to ensure there is consistency across the working groups, specifically when considering the tone and language used.
The co-chairs thanked ACCS members for their time and commitment, noted they were looking forward to the April meeting in Ottawa, and closed the meeting.
Page details
- Date modified: