Revocation of Three Charity Registrations

Summary#

The Canada Revenue Agency published notices that it intends to revoke the registered charity status of three organizations under the Income Tax Act. The notices were published on November 5, 2022 and say the revocations are (or will be) effective on that publication date.

What it does#

• Revokes the registered charity status of these groups:
  • Family and Credit Counselling Services Serving York Region (Business number 107376238RR0001), Thornhill, ON.
  • Homestead on the Hill Foundation (Business number 809309479RR0001), Vancouver, B.C.
  • Howe Sound Samaritans’ Foundation (Business number 892420746RR0001), Vancouver, B.C.
• The notices say each charity failed to meet parts of the Income Tax Act. The Gazette item gives legal references but does not explain the specific facts or findings in plain language.
• The notices were issued by Sharmila Khare, Director General, Charities Directorate (part of the Canada Revenue Agency). The revocations are stated to take effect on the date the notice appeared in the Gazette (November 5, 2022).

Who's affected#

• The three named charities and their boards or administrators.
• Donors to those charities who might be relying on official donation receipts.
• People and communities who receive services from those charities.
• The Gazette notice does not explain exactly which rules were broken, so it’s not possible from this notice alone to identify any other affected parties.

Why it matters#

• Losing registered status usually means a charity can no longer issue official donation receipts that donors can use for tax credits. It can also affect the charity’s tax treatment and ability to raise funds.
• Local clients and community programs run by these organizations may be disrupted if the charities change operations or wind down.
• The Gazette notice is short on detail about why each revocation was proposed and what the charities’ next steps or appeal options are, so people directly involved will need to check with the charities or the Canada Revenue Agency for more information.