Charity Registrations Proposed for Revocation

Summary#

The Canada Revenue Agency published notices in the Canada Gazette saying it intends to revoke the charitable registration of a number of organizations under the Income Tax Act. The Gazette also records permissions and leaves for public servants from the Public Service Commission to run in upcoming elections.

What it does#

• Announces the intended revocation of the registration of HAJI USMAN DAWOOD CHOKSI FAMILY FOUNDATION (business number 891747669RR0001) for failing to meet parts of the Income Tax Act.
• Lists many other registered charities that the Canada Revenue Agency proposes to revoke because they did not meet the Act’s filing requirements. (The Gazette prints a long list of names and registration numbers.)
• States that, for those notices, the revocation is effective on the date the notice appears in the Canada Gazette (publication date).
• Records decisions by the Public Service Commission under the Public Service Employment Act to allow certain public servants to seek elected office and to take leave:
  • Zbigniew Strycharz (Canada Revenue Agency) may be a candidate in Elmwood–Transcona and was granted leave during the by‑election period; the by‑election is set for September 16, 2024.
  • Victor Veiga (Transport Canada) may seek nomination or be a candidate in Vaughan–Woodbridge for the federal election scheduled on or before October 20, 2025; leave granted during the election period.
  • Jennifer McDonald (Employment and Social Development Canada) may seek nomination or be a candidate for Town Councillor in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia; the municipal election is October 19, 2024.

Who's affected#

• The charities named in the notices, including HAJI USMAN DAWOOD CHOKSI FAMILY FOUNDATION and the many others listed in the Gazette.
• Donors to those charities, and the people or communities who rely on their programs or services.
• The three public servants named (Zbigniew Strycharz, Victor Veiga, Jennifer McDonald) and voters in Elmwood–Transcona, Vaughan–Woodbridge, and Bridgewater.
• It is unclear from the notice whether any other employees or organizations are affected beyond those named.

Why it matters#

• Losing registered charity status affects a group’s ability to issue official tax receipts and can change how the group is taxed. That can reduce donations and disrupt services that depend on charitable funding.
• The Public Service Commission notices show how federal rules allow public servants to run for office while managing conflicts through permission and leave. That matters to voters because it clarifies who is permitted to be a candidate and when those employees will be on leave from their government jobs.