Charity Revocations and Trade Tribunal Notices

Summary#

This Canada Gazette notice (published October 2, 2021) contains two kinds of items. It lists dozens of registered charities that the Canada Revenue Agency says it will revoke for not filing required returns, and it gives notices from the Canadian International Trade Tribunal about a tariff classification appeal and two procurement inquiries.

What it does#

• The Canada Revenue Agency gives a notice of intention to revoke the registrations of a long list of charities for failing to meet filing requirements under the Income Tax Act. The Gazette text says the revocations are effective on the date of publication.
• The Canadian International Trade Tribunal:
  • Will hold a public hearing (by videoconference) on an appeal, Protect Me - Alert Series v. President of the Canada Border Services Agency, about whether certain pet apparel should be classified under tariff item No. 4201.00.90 or under tariff item No. 9505.10.00. The hearing is scheduled for November 4, 2021.
  • Decided on September 17, 2021 to open inquiries into complaints from Enveloppe Concept Inc. and SupremeX Inc. about a government procurement (Solicitation No. EN893-220033/A) for envelopes for the Receiver General for Canada. The complaints say the awarded bid did not meet certain certification, Canadian content, or experience requirements.

Who's affected#

• The registered charities named in the CRA notice — mainly small, local or volunteer organizations across provinces (the Gazette lists many by name and business number). If the revocations take effect, those groups will lose registered charity status.
• Businesses and importers of the pet apparel at issue, including Protect Me - Alert Series and the Canada Border Services Agency, because the tariff classification could change which duties or rules apply.
• Suppliers and bidders on the government envelope contract, including Enveloppe Concept Inc., SupremeX Inc., the successful bidder, and Department of Public Works and Government Services (the procuring department), because the Tribunal’s inquiry could affect the contract outcome.
• Members of the public and donors who rely on charitable tax receipts from the listed charities may be affected if those charities lose registration.

Why it matters#

• Losing registered status matters to charities and their donors because it typically means the charity can no longer issue official donation receipts and may face tax consequences. That can hurt funding and operations for small groups.
• The tariff classification hearing could change how similar pet clothing is treated at the border, possibly affecting import duties, pricing, and how businesses describe their products.
• The procurement inquiries could lead to a review or change of a federal contract. That can affect which supplier provides envelopes to the government and may influence how future federal procurements enforce Canadian content and qualification rules.