charities
Annual general meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic
Many not-for-profit corporations (NFPs) hold their annual general meetings (AGMs) in the Spring. With a number of provinces issuing directives and advisories relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, including with respect to meeting sizes and venues, a number of NFPs are considering their options with respect to their Spring AGMs.
Corona Virus/COVID-19 charity issues – cancelling events, refunds and the possibility of a charitable donation
The COVID-19 crisis is affecting charities in numerous ways. In this short note, we will discuss cancelling events and refunding money or attempting to turn that into a potential charitable donation.
CRA Charities Directorate announces extension of T3010 filing deadlines till December 31, 2020 in response to COVID-19
As part of government actions taken in dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Charities Directorate is extending the filing deadline to December 31, 2020, for all charities with a Form T3010, Registered Charity Information Return due between March 18, 2020 and December 31, 2020.
Governance considerations for unincorporated associations that will pay off in the long run
It is not unusual for startup organizations to be attracted to the concept of an unincorporated association, since unincorporated associations require little effort to form and are less costly to run than corporations.
It’s a whole new ball game for charities at the FCA
Many in the sector have, for many years, advocated that appeals from decisions to revoke and refusals to register be heard by the Tax Court for this exact reason. They are simply better suited for testing the facts. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, these pleas have not been heard by Parliament, now though, for strictly practical reasons, they may have no choice but to make changes. All around, Vavilov will have positive implications for the charity sector.
Dramatic changes to the CRA Charities Listing
CRA has recently updated its Charities Listing and the most notable change is the fact that they have reduced the amount of information available on each Canadian registered charity.
Jurisdictional expansion of BC’s Civil Resolution Tribunal to societies: A new avenue of dispute resolution
Effective July 15, 2019, a variety of society disputes (defined as “society claims” under the relevant legislation) may be resolved by the B.C. Civil Resolution Tribunal (“CRT”) instead of the B.C. Supreme Court.
Top Canadian charity law issues by Mark Blumberg
Here is our list of the Top Canadian Charity Law Issues by Mark Blumberg. Hopefully, it provides a good overview of the most common charity law compliance issues for Canadian registered charities with an emphasis on concerns from the Charities Directorate of CRA.
Not-for-profit boards need a succession plan for their CEOs/EDs
Notwithstanding the vast differences between for-profit and not-for-profit entities, both need succession plans to quickly and effectively replace CEOs/EDs, whether the departure is planned or abrupt.
Implement effective governance practices in not-for-profits
There are increasing pressures on not-for-profit boards to implement effective governance practices. The growth in the sector and the increase in financial, cybersecurity, and other risk factors have fuelled pressures on not-for-profits to be more accountable to its members, donors and other stakeholders.
Upcoming deadlines and changes for charities and other not-for-profits
Charities and not-for-profit organizations need to be aware of some upcoming changes to rules and laws.
Legal issues for charities and NPOs on social media networks
It is recommended that an organization implement policies and procedures that minimize the legal risks associated with using social media. This includes training protocols to educate volunteers and employees on these risks.
Senate of Canada to study charitable sector
On January 30th, 2018, the Senate of Canada passed a motion to appoint a Special Committee of the Senate to review issues related to the charitable sector in Canada. The Senate confirmed that the Committee’s general mandate will be to examine “the impact of federal and provincial laws governing charities, non-profit organizations, foundations, and other similar groups, and to examine the impact of the voluntary sector in Canada.”
Gala event gone bad – President’s Club Charitable Trust
We report on this gala event not to comment on the legalities from the English law perspective, but to offer some preliminary comments on how Canadian law might apply if the President’s Club Charitable Trust’s fundraising event had happened in Canada. Canadian law requires employers to take steps to provide a workplace free from sexual harassment, with significant fines possible.
Tax court addresses clergy residence deduction for religious teachers
The clergy residence deduction provides for a limited deduction for housing provided to a member of the clergy or supplied by a member of the clergy. It is a deduction that has existed for a long time and seems to have been designed to address the situation of a member of the clergy who is provided with a manse by a local congregation, but who may be expected to use the house in the course of clergy duties.
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