CRA to Revoke Charities' Registrations

Summary#

The Canada Revenue Agency published notices in the Canada Gazette on September 10, 2022 saying it intends to revoke the charitable registration of a number of organizations under the Income Tax Act. The notices name Ashreigny Charitable Foundation (BN 812768257RR0001), Headwaters Foundation (BN 831024203RR0001), and many other charities. The revocations are effective on the date of publication (September 10, 2022).

What it does#

• Announces the CRA’s intention to revoke registration for Ashreigny Charitable Foundation (BN 812768257RR0001) because it did not meet parts of the Income Tax Act (specific sections are cited in the Gazette notice).
• Announces the CRA’s intention to revoke registration for Headwaters Foundation (BN 831024203RR0001) for failure to meet other cited sections of the Income Tax Act.
• Lists dozens of additional charities that the CRA says failed to meet filing requirements under the Income Tax Act. Examples from the list include COMITE SOCIO-CULTUREL DU PHARE INC., HOWARD PARK CHILDREN’S CENTRE, THE NAVY LEAGUE OF CANADA (New Brunswick Division), THE SALVATION ARMY MONTREAL CATHERINE BOOTH HOSPITAL AUXILIARY, and TORONTO PARKS AND TREES FOUNDATION.
• States that the revocation of registration is effective on the date the notice appears in the Canada Gazette (the Gazette publication date is September 10, 2022).

Who's affected#

• The charities named in the notices. Their registrations are being revoked (effective on publication).
• People and organizations that donate to, fund, or rely on those charities.
• Local communities and program participants served by the listed charities.
• Anyone who needs to confirm a charity’s registration status should consult the full Canada Gazette notice or the CRA’s charities listings (the Gazette contains the full list of names and business numbers).

Why it matters#

• Losing registered status changes a charity’s official standing under the Income Tax Act. That can affect fundraising, public trust and the charity’s operations.
• Donors and funders may need to check whether a charity is still registered before relying on receipts or making future contributions.
• Communities that get services from the listed organizations could see interruptions if funding or operations are affected.
• The Gazette notice is the public record that these revocations are being applied; anyone named should check the full notice for the exact reason and next steps.