By Ryan Prendergast

Government of Canada Launches Pre-Budget Consultations for 2025

The Government of Canada has launched pre-budget consultations, inviting Canadians to contribute their views on priorities for Budget 2025. The consultation period runs from the day of the announcement, February 14, to March 10, 2025, and is open to all Canadians who wish to share their perspectives on economic policy and fiscal priorities.

• The government has stated that Budget 2025 will focus on key economic priorities, including:
• Addressing the evolving Canada-U.S. economic landscape;
• Enhancing affordability measures for Canadians;
• Strengthening economic security;
• Boosting competitiveness and productivity to unlock growth.
• Canadians can submit their input through the government’s online platform.

Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc emphasized the importance of public engagement in shaping fiscal policy, noting that consultations help ensure the budget aligns with the priorities of Canadians.

Businesses, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to participate in the consultations to influence fiscal and economic strategies. Following the consultation period, the government will analyze the feedback received and incorporate relevant insights into the final version of Budget 2025. Further details on the budget’s proposals and legislative measures are expected in the coming months.

Canadians interested in contributing to the discussion can visit the consultation website before the March 10 deadline.

Canadians should recognize the critical importance of actively participating in the pre-budget consultation process. Recent proposals emerging from parliamentary committees underscore why public engagement matters. As outlined in our Charity & NFP Law Bulletin No. 531, a concerning recommendation (Recommendation 430) was presented by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance, suggesting the removal of "advancement of religion" as a charitable purpose under the Income Tax Act. Such a change, if adopted, could significantly impact numerous charitable organizations and the vital social services they provide across Canada.

Although Parliament has been prorogued, creating uncertainty around the fate of this recommendation, its inclusion highlights the necessity of stakeholders expressing their views proactively. Contributions made during pre-budget consultations can directly influence whether problematic proposals, like Recommendation 430, gain traction or are set aside due to public concern.

Therefore, it is essential for charities, non-profits, and individuals alike to submit their feedback through the government’s online platform by the March 10 deadline. Engaging now ensures that economic and fiscal policies remain supportive of Canada's charitable and non-profit sectors.

Ontario Proposes Shelter Standards for Animal Welfare Services Providers

The Government of Ontario is proposing new shelter standards for service providers that house animals in the care of Animal Welfare Services (AWS) - an enforcement body within the Ministry of the Solicitor General. These standards aim to establish a consistent approach to animal care across facilities contracted by AWS, including shelters, non-profit sanctuaries, and private boarding facilities.

Under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS Act), AWS is responsible for enforcing regulations related to animal welfare, including provisions against distress and setting basic care standards. AWS contracts various facilities to temporarily house animals that have been removed from their owners due to distress or welfare concerns. To ensure consistency and quality in care, AWS has developed new sheltering standards that outline expectations for service providers.

The proposed standards apply to service providers housing animals on behalf of AWS and are categorized into three distinct groups:

• Companion Animals & Zoological Companion Animals
• Equine & Farm Animals
• Zoo Animals & Captive Wildlife

Facilities would only be required to comply with the specific standards relevant to the species they house. For example, a boarding facility that provides temporary housing for horses would be expected to comply with the Equine & Farm Animal Standards.

The standards were developed by AWS technical experts, including veterinarians and animal welfare inspectors, using established guidelines from recognized organizations. The goal is to ensure a standardized, fair, and transparent approach to animal care while maintaining operational flexibility for service providers.

Once approved, the standards will apply to all new AWS service contracts signed after the enforcement date, which will be determined following consultation with stakeholders. The Ministry of the Solicitor General is currently seeking feedback from service providers and other stakeholders on the anticipated costs and operational impacts of implementing these standards.

The proposal acknowledges that some service providers may face compliance costs, both one-time and ongoing, to meet the new requirements. To assess these impacts, the Ministry is inviting stakeholders to submit comments and provide input on potential financial implications. The feedback gathered will help shape the final version of the shelter standards before they are formally enacted.

Organizations or individuals interested in providing feedback can submit their comments via the Ministry’s consultation process.

​Read the February 2025 Charity & NFP Law Update