The editor of Canadian Mennonite magazine thinks his publication has struck a nerve after the Canada Revenue Agency threatened its charitable status.
Dick Benner received a letter warning him that registered charities that engage in partisan political activities could have their charitable status revoked.
He said the letter focused on editorials and articles that were written during the 2011 federal election. One of the articles asked readers to remember the core beliefs of peacemaking, compassion for the poor and care for creation before choosing who to vote for.
Benner said the magazine, which is distributed at Mennonite churches across Canada, doesn't endorse candidates or tell people how to vote. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think this was coming," he said Friday.
The Waterloo, Ont. - based magazine is a registered charity and receives much of its funding through the Mennonite Church Canada.
Canadian Revenue Agency rules for charitable organizations limit the political activities registered charities can partake in, including prohibiting activities which support or oppose any party or candidate. Clarke Olsen, spokesman for Revenue Minister Gail Shea, said he cannot comment on a particular case because of privacy protections in the Income Tax Act. He said in cases where the activities of a charity are suspect the agency will conduct a review and take action as appropriate under the Act.
"I chafe under this as a journalist," Benner said, adding he believes the magazine is being specifically targeted.
"I consider this a [free] speech matter."
