The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) has raised serious concerns over recent proposals to the Canadian government that could strip religious charities opposing abortion of their charitable status.
They warn that such changes would have significant repercussions not only for the religious community but also for the many individuals these organizations serve.
Contentious Recommendations
These contentious recommendations emerged from a Finance Committee report, presented in the House of Commons on December 13, 2024.
Within a broader context aimed at refining the upcoming federal budget, Recommendation 429 calls for the termination of charitable status for anti-abortion organizations.
Meanwhile, Recommendation 430 seeks to amend the Income Tax Act, proposing to eliminate ‘advancement of religion’ from the list of recognized charitable purposes.
Wider Political Backing
Both recommendations feature in Chapter Five of the report, which scrutinizes “A Competitive Fiscal Policy, Sustainable Finances and Efficient Government Operations.” The EFC has noted that the phrasing in these suggestions appears similar to a proposal put forth by the British Columbia Humanist Association.
Even though the Finance Minister can choose whether to incorporate these suggestions into the forthcoming spring budget, their mere presence has alarmed the EFC.
They find it particularly concerning that these proposals emerged from a parliamentary committee, which represents all main political parties, as this might indicate wider political backing for the ideas presented.
Implications for Charitable Sector
The EFC warns that implementing these recommendations could have far-reaching implications for many religious charities and the communities they aid.
They point out that religious organizations account for more than 40% of all registered charities in Canada, and they fear this proposal could destabilize the charitable sector as a whole.
Furthermore, the EFC expresses the opinion that the committee’s backing could serve as an early signal for the government.
If particular recommendations find broad agreement or encounter minimal resistance, it might encourage the government to pursue them more aggressively.
In response to these developments, the EFC stresses the critical need for Members of Parliament to understand the public’s concerns regarding this proposal.
They believe it would be much more effective to tackle these issues proactively—before any legislative measures are introduced—rather than attempting to roll back proposed changes after they have gained traction.
Source: Christianpost
