There were likely some sighs of relief in cramped offices across the country this week as the federal government announced it is winding down the political activity audits of charities begun and continued with great zeal by the former Conservative regime.
An end to this particular ideological witch hunt is long overdue.
The controversial $13-million program was launched by the Harper government in 2012, not coincidentally at a time when Conservatives were feeling aggrieved at environmentalists for poking sticks at their favoured pipeline and energy projects.
Revenue Canada was the government arm used to wield the hammer on groups the Conservative regime considered a pain in the political butt. But the rules were never evenly applied.
Conservative-leaning groups granted charitable status – like the Fraser Institute – were not placed under the auditors’ microscopes in the same way as left-leaning charitable groups were.
Environmental groups were targeted first. But later the audits expanded to include groups involved in issues like poverty and human rights as well.
Revenue Canada never defined what constituted the verboten “political activity.” But it was clear that some animals were always more equal than others.
The premise that charities shouldn’t be involved in political activities seems ridiculous to begin with. Most groups involved in helping to alleviate social harm or promote social good are also involved in advocating their causes to those in a position to make change.
Governments in other countries recognize this and allow political activity as long as that is part of providing a benefit to society at large. We welcome the news this issue will also soon be the subject of further consideration and review by Ottawa.
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