Government Relations: AFP Canada Year-in-Review

FRANÇAIS

As the charitable landscape continues to evolve, AFP Canada’s Government Relations Committee remains committed to ensuring the federal government understands the vital role of fundraising and the broader charitable sector in building strong, healthy communities. This year, the Committee advanced several priority issues, engaged with policymakers across parties, and responded to emerging policy developments affecting charities nationwide.

Below is a summary of this year’s key advocacy activities, with links for additional context.

• Advocacy for a Federal Charitable Sector Secretariat
  AFP Canada continued to call for the creation of a Charitable Sector Secretariat within the federal government—an important mechanism for coordinated policy development, improved data, and better support for the charitable sector. Further Reading
   
• Extension of the Charitable Donation Receipt Deadline
  AFP Canada successfully advocated for the federal government to extend the donation receipting deadline earlier this year following the 2024 Canada Post labour dispute—to support both donors and charitable organizations during a peak giving period. Further Reading
   
• Federal Election Advocacy (Pre- and Post-Election)
  Throughout the federal election cycle, AFP Canada engaged in coordinated efforts to ensure charitable sector priorities were heard. This included:
  • Encouraging members to engage candidates and communicate the importance of the charitable sector
  • Promoting AFP’s election tools and policy resources
  • Conducting post-election outreach to all newly elected and returning Members of Parliament
  • Further Reading
     
• National Philanthropy Day Recognition in the House of Commons
  AFP Canada coordinated the recognition and profiling of National Philanthropy Day in Parliament. This year, official statements were read in the House of Commons by Gabriel Ste-Marie and Chi Nguyen, formally acknowledging the contributions of philanthropy and the essential role of fundraisers across Canada.
   
• Influence on Federal Budget Discussions
  AFP Canada presented recommendations during federal pre-budget consultations on issues related to charitable giving, tax policy, and sector capacity. The Committee emphasized the need for measures that support long-term sustainability and strengthen the charitable sector’s ability to meet community needs. This advocacy effort highlighted the economic burden the U.S.–Canada trade dispute places on charities, and advocated for appropriate government recognition and mitigation measures. Further Reading
   
• Response to the Renewed 2025 Postal Strike
  AFP Canada communicated with government officials on the operational and financial impacts of the Canada Post labour disruption, emphasizing the time-sensitive nature of year-end fundraising and the importance of reliable national mail service for donors and charities. Further Reading
   
• Ongoing Participation on the CRA Technical Issues Working Group (TIWG)
  AFP Canada continues to participate actively on the TIWG, engaging on key topics such as the electronic filing of the T3010 Registered Charity Information Return. This work contributes to modernization, improved data quality, and reduced administrative burden for charities. Further Reading
   
• Clarifying Concerns Regarding the Charitable Status of Faith-Based Organizations 
  AFP Canada monitored pre-budget discussions that touched on the potential removal of charitable status for faith-based organizations. A definitive confirmation from MP Karina Gould, Chair of the Standing Committee on Finance, indicated that the government does not intend to remove the advancement of religion as a charitable purpose from the Income Tax Act. AFP Canada considers this issue closed for the foreseeable future.
  
  At the same time, AFP Canada continues to monitor concerns related to the differential treatment of Muslim charities by the CRA, ensuring equitable regulatory practices across the sector.

This work reflects AFP Canada’s dedication to ensuring that federal policy supports a vibrant, equitable, and resilient charitable sector. The Committee will continue to monitor emerging issues, champion sector priorities, and advocate for the conditions fundraisers need to drive meaningful impact in communities nationwide.