Federal government seeks feedback on changes to charity rules
Food donations collected for a food bank. Canada has launched consultations on possible changes to federal rules governing registered charities. File photo.
Photo credit: Mack Male
OTTAWA — Registered charities and other Canadians have until December 3 to provide feedback on possible changes to the federal rules governing charitable organizations, including registration, reporting and compliance requirements.
The Department of Finance Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency launched the consultation October 8 as part of a review of the federal framework for registered charities.
The review focuses on four areas: charitable registration, digital services, audit and compliance procedures, and the processes for revoking charitable status or challenging Canada Revenue Agency decisions.
The government is examining whether existing administrative requirements can be simplified while maintaining oversight of organizations that receive tax benefits through charitable registration.
One area under review is the use of digital services. According to the federal consultation paper, approximately 85 per cent of charitable registration applications were submitted electronically in 2025–26, but fewer than 31 per cent of registered charity information returns were filed online.
The government is seeking feedback on obstacles that prevent charities from using digital services, including whether additional guidance or technical support would help organizations meet their reporting obligations.
The consultation also asks whether existing registration decisions, audits and compliance procedures are sufficiently transparent and fair.
Canada has more than 86,000 registered charities, ranging from large national organizations to small community groups. Registered status provides access to certain tax benefits, including the ability to issue official donation receipts.
The consultation does not introduce immediate changes to existing charity rules. Responses will be used to inform possible future reforms.
Written submissions can be sent to charity-bienfaisance@fin.gc.ca with the subject line “Modernizing the Framework for the Charitable Sector.”
The consultation closes December 3, 2026.
The federal government is renewing $30 million in funding for a national loan program that helps women start or expand businesses, with loans of up to $50,000 available through participating nonprofit organizations.