Bill C-458, an act to establish National Charities Week and amend the Income Tax Act so that charitable donations made in January and February could be claimed against the previous year's income tax. There could be unintended consequences, particularly with regard to existing CRA rules on receipting deadlines; we are working to raise these issues and identify solutions to mitigate such consequences.
Policies or Program
Discussions concerning pre-budget priorities with regard to the adoption of a stretch tax credit for charitable giving, equal access to federal business development programs for charities and non-profit organizations, and an expanded mandate for the Tax Court of Canada.
Discussions with CRA on implementing new reporting requirements for charities as per Budget 2012.
Discussions with Canada Revenue Agency regarding the first year of operation of CRA's Guidance on Fundraising by Registered Charities (CPS - 028). Discussions will involve sharing feedback that CRA and Imagine Canada have received about the operation of the guidelines and determining whether any amendments to the guidelines may be required.
Discussions with Finance Canada regarding the implementation of the First-Time Donor's Super Credit announced in Budget 2013.
Discussions with HRSDC about the government's general policies concerning charities and nonprofits. In particular, discussions about implementing the recommendations of the Independent Blue Ribbon Panel on Grants and Contributions, and about the role the HRSDC could potentially play in helping to improve management capacity and competencies within the charitable and nonprofit sector.
Discussions with Treasury Board on the administration of grant & contribution programs, specifically the implementation of the recommendations of the Independent Blue Ribbon Panel on Grant and Contribution Programs
Response to Finance Canada's Financial Framework for Pooled Registered Pension Plans with regard to Imagine Canada interest in ideas that would allow more non-profit organizations to offer pension benefits to their staff.
Stretch Tax Credit for Charitable Giving -- promoting a proposal to increase the federal tax credit for individuals who increase their charitable giving from one year to the next.
Regulation
Discussions with Industry Canada regarding proposed anti-spam regulations and their impact on charities and public benefit nonprofits.