CUSJ is one of the sponsors of a new web site, Protect Canadians’ Free Speech, (see our logo there?) that is dedicated to getting legislators to update the laws that govern charities. Under the current laws, enacted by the Harper government, charities are restricted as to the type of activities in which they can engage, and were subject to audits, some of which are ongoing. The site points out that these audits are costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. Apparently, the existence of the audits created a negative climate for charities and hobbled their ability to act freely in the name of the public good.
The Protect Canadians’ Free Speech site asks that the government:
- End the audits immediately
- Reform the rules that allowed these audits
Fortunately, on September 27, 2016, Minister of National Revenue Diane Lebouthillier announced the start of a Canada-wide consultation on the rules for charities. If you would like to participate, the site has a link to an easy-to-use form for sending a letter to politicians. CUSJ encourages you to fill it out to support free speech and to ensure that organizations like the CUSJ can be free to advocate for social justice issues and the environment, without fear of government sanctions. The deadline for sending letters is December 14th 2016.