CRA Notices: Charity Revocations and Staff Permissions

Summary#

The Canada Revenue Agency says it will revoke the registration of one charity and has published a long list of other charities it proposes to revoke for failing to meet parts of the Income Tax Act. The Public Service Commission of Canada also published permission notices approving three federal employees to seek elected office under the Public Service Employment Act, with leaves of absence tied to their campaigns. The Canada Gazette item was published September 7, 2024.

What it does#

• The Canada Revenue Agency notifies that it intends to revoke the registration of HAJI USMAN DAWOOD CHOKSI FAMILY FOUNDATION (business number listed) and sets the revocation to be effective on the date of publication.
• The CRA also published a long list of charities for which it “proposes to revoke” registration because they did not meet filing requirements under the Income Tax Act. The notice says those revocations are effective on the date of publication.
• The Public Service Commission of Canada granted permission and/or leave to three public servants to run for office:
  • Permission and an immediate leave without pay for Zbigniew Strycharz (Canada Revenue Agency) to run in the Elmwood–Transcona by-election to be held September 16, 2024.
  • Permission for Victor Veiga (Transport Canada) to seek nomination or be a candidate in Vaughan–Woodbridge in the federal election to be held on or before October 20, 2025, with a leave of absence without pay during the election period (starting the first day he is a candidate).
  • Permission for Jennifer McDonald (Employment and Social Development Canada) to seek nomination or be a candidate for Town of Bridgewater councillor in the municipal election to be held October 19, 2024.

Who's affected#

• The named charity HAJI USMAN DAWOOD CHOKSI FAMILY FOUNDATION and the many charities listed in the notice. The Gazette item includes dozens of community groups, schools, cultural organizations, religious groups and small local charities from across Canada. (The full list is printed in the notice.)
• Public servants who want to run for elected office and their employers:
  • Zbigniew Strycharz — Canada Revenue Agency.
  • Victor Veiga — Transport Canada.
  • Jennifer McDonald — Employment and Social Development Canada.
• Donors, volunteers and clients of the listed charities may notice changes if a charity loses its registered status.

Why it matters#

• Losing registered charity status changes practical things: a revoked charity generally can no longer issue official donation receipts and may lose tax-exempt privileges. That can affect donors’ tax claims and the charity’s ability to operate or raise funds.
• People who use services from the named charities, or who support them through donations, may need to check the charity’s current status and financial/operational plans.
• The Public Service Commission notices show how public servants can get formal permission and a leave to take part in elections. For voters, this means some candidates come from federal departments and will be on leave while campaigning.