CRA revokes registrations of dozens of charities

Summary#

The Canada Revenue Agency published notices in the Canada Gazette on April 10, 2021 listing charities whose federal registrations are being revoked. Some charities asked to have their registration ended; a small number are being proposed for revocation because they allegedly did not meet parts of the Income Tax Act.

What it does#

• Lists a large group of charities that requested revocation of their registered charity status. The notices say the revocations are effective on the date of publication (April 10, 2021).
• Lists a smaller group of charities (the notice shows 3 organisations) that the agency proposes to revoke for failing to meet parts of the Income Tax Act; those proposed revocations are also described as effective on publication.
• Publishes the names and business numbers of the affected charities in the Gazette. The notices themselves are the formal public record of the revocations or proposed revocations.

Who's affected#

• The charities named in the Gazette (many across Canada), their boards, staff, volunteers and clients.
• Donors to those charities, who may be affected by the charities’ loss of registered status.
• Local communities that rely on services from those charities.
  If you are a donor, volunteer, employee, or client of a named charity, the notice does not explain detailed next steps; you may need to contact the charity or the agency for specifics.

Why it matters#

• Losing registered charity status changes a charity’s tax standing. In practical terms, that commonly means the organisation can no longer issue official donation receipts tied to charitable tax benefits, and it can affect fundraising and eligibility for some grants or tax rules.
• For people who give money, rely on services, or work with the listed groups, the change can affect donations, tax receipts, and continued delivery of services.
• The Gazette notice is the formal public record making the revocations (or proposed revocations) official as of April 10, 2021.