In its submissions today to the federal finance committee and department, the BC Humanist Association has asked MPs on the committee to reaffirm their recommendation that the government use the next federal budget to remove the privileged status of religion as a charitable purpose.
In December, the House of Commons Standing on Finance included two of the BCHA's recommendations in its report to Parliament.
429: No longer provide charitable status to anti-abortion organizations
430: Amend the Income Tax Act to provide a definition of a charity which would remove the privileged status of "advancement of religion" as a charitable purpose.
Due to the spring election, there was no budget earlier this year. The new government is preparing its first budget for this fall. The House of Commons finance committee and the Department of Finance are undertaking another round of consultations on the budget. The BCHA reiterated its recommendations from our past submissions.
In addition, amid speculation that the government may be walking back its commitments to universal prescription contraceptive coverage and gender equity programs, the BCHA is also calling for the government to protect this core funding.
- Recommendation 1: That the government amend the Income Tax Act to provide a definition of a charity which would remove the privileged status of ‘advancement of religion’ as a charitable purpose.
- Recommendation 2: That the government end charitable status for anti-choice organizations.
- Recommendation 3: That the government protect core funding for reproductive justice and 2SLGBTQ+ equality.
- Recommendation 4: That the government amend the Income Tax Act to repeal the clergy residence deduction.
The BCHA's recommendations are framed against the economic and geopolitical uncertainties posed by the influence of American Christian Nationalist ideologies.
Read the department of finance submission
Read the finance committee submission