Re: “We should let charities help shape public policy,” April 12.
Excellent article. As a committed supporter of a land trust in Nanaimo, I have been aware of the chill the Canada Revenue Agency has put on charities.
Many charities have had to spend time and money justifying to the CRA the 10 per cent allowed on advocacy (advertising), while corporations are allowed to charge 100 per cent of the cost of advertising as their cost of doing business. Doesn’t seem fair.
As well as all those worthy achievements by charities mentioned in the article, I could add they pushed governments to act on diminishing the ozone hole over the poles, spurred creation of parks such as Gwaii Haanas and Clayoquot Sound, and stopped pesticide spraying in Cape Breton forests and uranium mining in Nova Scotia. Charities also create employment.
Many people would agree that, indeed, charities (which are groups of citizens) should be involved in shaping public policy.
Barbara Hourston
Nanaimo
