In a letter sent today, the BC Humanist Association is calling on the voice of Canada's charitable sector to drop its opposition to proposed measures to end charitable status for anti-choice organizations.
Imagine Canada provides resources and accreditation for charities and non-profits and advocates for issues affecting the non-profit sector. It's taken a position against possible legislative changes to end the charitable status for anti-abortion organizations.
In his letter, BCHA Executive Director Ian Bushfield argues that with over 200 anti-choice groups with charitable status, existing regulations are clearly failing Canadians. Instead, he suggests a new legislative definition for charities that includes a public benefits test and a commitment to the values enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
"Charitable status is a privilege, not a right. Its intent is to recognize the important work of civil society organizations to improve the wellbeing of Canadians. While this work can take many shapes and forms, it should not include those efforts to undermine the dignity and autonomy of segments of the population."
Next month, the BCHA will be releasing the results of a study of crisis pregnancy centres in British Columbia.