Dear Minister LeBlanc,

Be assured of my prayers for you and all those who have chosen the noble vocation of politics. I write today to express my deep concern regarding the recent Finance Committee’s pre-budget report. The committee proposes to remove advancement of religion as a charitable purpose.
More specifically, as recommendation 430 states: “Amend the Income Tax Act to provide a definition of a charity which would remove the privileged status of ‘advancement of religion’ as a charitable purpose.”

As you know, religious charities strengthen the very fabric of our nation through their dedicated service, outreach and care. This charitable work is often done to fill gaps in services or funding not provided by government programs. It is not unreasonable to suggest that without the presence of these charities, there would be a crisis of care in communities throughout Canada.

Pope Francis has asked that in 2025, a global Jubilee Holy Year, be focused on the theme: “Pilgrims of Hope”. Sadly, our society is consumed with heart-wrenching stories of isolation, loneliness and marginalization all too close to home. Religious charitable organizations are hope personified in our communities, motivated to help others, not because of the beliefs of those who will be served but rather our own desire to provide loving care and compassion – values and virtues so deeply rooted in our religious traditions.

The recommendation itself to strip away official charitable status from these organizations demonstrates a lack of understanding of the critical role religiously-affiliated groups offer in every corner of our nation: urban centres, rural communities and the isolated North. Aside from social service programs, places of worship are spiritual homes for hundreds of thousands of Canadians each week, relying on these havens of hope, peace and prayer to nurture their souls, promote emotional/mental well-being, strengthen their families and provide a social gathering space that reinforces community life.

Our many and life-giving religious charities account for approximately 40% of the more than 73,000 charitable organizations registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) - removing their charitable status would have a devastating impact and send a divisive message to Canadians
from your government.

I also convey my profound concern regarding Recommendation 429: “No longer provide charitable status to anti-abortion organizations.” If this recommendation were to pass, every Catholic Church and Catholic social service agency in Canada would lose its charitable status due to our “pro-life” approach. These deeply rooted beliefs form the basis of much of our work, from operating hospitals to providing for the vulnerable and marginalized to welcoming the stranger/migrant/refugee and caring for every individual in need – body, mind and soul. It is astonishing to think that a pro-life approach to public living is no longer seen as acceptable in a country that enshrines freedom of religion and belief in the Canadian Charter of Rights and
Freedoms.

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