They are among 462 recommendations from the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance. The committee presents its reports in advance of federal government budgets.
Pierre Gilbert has issued a report on the recommendations, calling for churches and anti-abortion organizations to wake up and make their voices heard.
He said $16.5 billion worth of donations per year are at issue.
The provinces also provide tax benefits by exempting places of worship from municipal property taxes.
The federal charitable status designation used under the Income Tax Act applies to organizations that fall under one of the following categories:
- Relief of poverty
- Advancement of education
- Advancement of religion
- Other purposes benefiting the community which includes activities such as health care, environmental concerns, and community development.
The charitable status for churches in Canada originates in English common law, which Canada inherited as part of its colonial past.
“Advancement of religion” was formally recognized as a charitable purpose in England’s Statute of Charitable Uses of 1601, enacted under Queen Elizabeth I.
The Statute defined and regulated charitable activities, including poverty relief, education, religion, and other public benefits.
