The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) has voiced strong concerns over government plans to remove the advancement of religion as a charitable purpose, emphasizing the significant contributions religious organizations make to Canadian society through social services, volunteerism, and community support.
In a submission on March 10, the EFC wrote to the federal Department of Finance regarding its consultation on the forthcoming Budget 2025. It also raised concerns about a proposal to amend the Income Tax Act to remove the privileged status of advancing religion as a charitable purpose.
The EFC’s submission urged the finance department to reject two House of Commons finance committee recommendations made for pre-budget consultations as part of a House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance report.
“Religious charities play a significant role within the charitable sector and the life of our country,” the EFC submission stated, emphasizing the potential widespread impact. “Of the more than 73,000 charitable organizations registered with the CRA, more than 30,000 fall under the advancement of religion, roughly 42% of the charitable sector. It is estimated that there are 23,000 Christian congregations in Canada.”
Furthermore, the EFC reminded the government that the advancement of religion as a charitable purpose has been enshrined in law “for centuries.”
“The thousands of churches and faith-based organizations across Canada that are religious charities benefit their participants, their communities, and Canadian society as a whole.
“Religious charities foster vibrant social networks, mobilize outreach, spark local volunteerism, and foster community resiliency.”
The EFC highlighted that religious communities help individuals find “hope, mutual support, and belonging.”
“More and more Canadians are grappling with loneliness and social isolation,” the EFC pointed out. “Polarization and lack of social cohesion are increasing concerns.”
The EFC also emphasized that religion benefits secular society, adding: "Although their core purpose is worship and advancement of religion, many religious communities offer comprehensive help – pastoral, social, physical – and those actions flow from their religious beliefs and identity.”
“Within Christian communities, biblical teaching emphasizes that followers of Jesus Christ are to live in a way that demonstrates love for one’s neighbor, particularly those who are vulnerable,” the EFC stated.
“This leads to actions and activities that seek the good of Canadian society, whether we volunteer within faith-based organizations or those that are not faith-based. It orients Christian individuals and their communities outwardly, first toward God and then toward neighbor, in tangible, self-giving ways.”
The EFC warned the government against politicizing the charitable sector, citing the example of the Standing Committee on Finance recommending the removal of charitable status for anti-abortion organizations.
“We urge the government not to follow the recommendation of the Finance Committee to remove advancing religion as a charitable purpose, but instead to recognize the relevance and benefits of religion to the charitable sector and Canadian public life."
