By Theresa L.M. Man, Jacqueline M. Demczur & Terrance S. Carter

The Advisory Committee on the Charitable Sector (“ACCS”) released its Report #4, on October 9, 2024, subtitled “Towards a federal regulatory environment that enables and strengthens the charitable and non-profit sector” (“ACCS Report #4”).  This is the fourth of a series of ongoing reports by the ACCS.  In this ACCS Report #4, the ACCS makes 18 recommendations for action in several areas. This Bulletin provides an overview of the ACCS Report #4.

As previously discussed in earlier Charity & NFP Law Bulletins, the ACCS was established in 2019 to serve as a consultative forum between the Government of Canada and the charitable sector. Its purpose is to foster dialogue on emerging issues affecting charities and to ensure the regulatory framework supports the vital work charities undertake. Following the 2019 Senate Special Committee on the Charitable Sector’s report, Catalyst for Change: A Roadmap to a Stronger Charitable Sector (the “Senate Committee Report”), the ACCS was tasked with considering its recommendations.

Report #4 provides insights into various issues affecting Canada’s charitable sector. It sets out recommendations to better improve the charitable sector, including modernizing the regulatory framework for charities, improving transparency, increasing collaboration with Indigenous organizations, and simplifying the charitable registration process, among others. The report highlights the importance of ongoing consultations with stakeholders to ensure regulatory approaches align with the sector's needs, and stresses the importance of government-charity partnerships to address societal challenges.

To read the remainder of the Bulletin, click here.

​Read the October 2024 Charity & NFP Law Update