We are all likely familiar with the war that our Conservative federal government is waging on organizations with which it does not see eye to eye.
And most of us have heard the borderline hate speech of Ontario Christian fascist Charles McVety, as when he said, in opposition to Ontario’s new proposed anti-bullying law, Monday, May 7, appallingly and revoltingly, that:
“My daughter is a precious little 14-year-old girl. I beg you not to do this to my daughter,” he said. “This bill goes against the Bible. The Bible is a very important document.”
You may be less aware of what your tax dollars are subsidizing when it comes to the virulent anti-gay and anti-woman, anti-choice rhetoric that is coming from groups that either are, or claim to be, “charities” under tax law, usually by using religion as the front to circumvent the intent of the law.
Let us start by noting the law, according to our own government, courts and the Canada Revenue Agency:
Under the Act and common law, an organization established for a political purpose cannot be a charity. The courts have determined political purposes to be those that seek to:
– further the interests of a particular political party; or support a political party or candidate for public office; or
Yet, despite this, it would appear that many of the anti-choice, anti-gay groups that are getting tax deductible status are very much attempting to retain, oppose, or change the law, policy, or decision of any level of government in Canada or a foreign country.”
Where to even begin.
How about with the CRA file for the Kitchener Waterloo Right-to-Life Association. As you can see they entirely violate the CRA provision above.
Here is a link to the publicly filed and available financial records listed with the CRA for this “charity.” It is surprisingly hard to link directly to this information, given that it is completely public, so we have linked to it by doing screen shots and posting them separately.
As you might note, in one of the photos you will see a “typo” where the CRA actually says the direct opposite of the actual law. Despite the fact that their own website makes one thing clear, they state something else on the form related to an anti-choice political group.
Odd isn’t it?
Then there is McVety’s organization itself. As you will see this group advocates very strongly for the rantings of its “leader.”
On its “home” page even, it states:
Welcome to the Institute for Canadian Values
– Pray for God to preserve Canadian Values
– Donate $27.77 per month for 3 years — $1,000
Yet, they then very clearly imply, on their money page, that they are able to issue tax receipts. Interestingly we have attempted to find the name of their “charity” on the government’s website and have been unable to. Try for yourself. And if you do find them, could you please ask the government why they are there!
If they are a recognized “charity,” why exactly? They are clearly in violation of the CRA’s own code.
But how about some of the CRA’s “recognized”, self-proclaimed pro-life abortion counseling “charities.” You can link to a partial search list of them here.
For now, how about one single example, the “charity” in Brantford, Ontario.
These folks tell you that:
“Sex is designed for two primary purposes: 1. To create babies and 2. To bond a man and a woman together for life. The idea of “recreational sex” should be understood as being on the same level as recreational drug use.”
or…
“Our counsel is that abortion compounds rather than solves the problems associated with an unplanned pregnancy check out the “Link up” area on the bottom of our web page for more information.”
or…
” However, condoms only slightly reduce the chances that either of you will get other serious STI infections. Many STI’s are transferred by skin to skin contact which a condom cannot prevent. Nothing can avoid the emotional and psychological impact of sex. There is no such thing as “safe sex” outside of the lifetime commitment of marriage.“
This is non-political and impartial in what sense?
Outright anti-choice, religious and overtly political counseling on your dime.
We are paying, directly, to subsidize these views.
Just in case, despite all the evidence, you think this is isolated, here is a North York “pregnancy counseling” group.
After reading their propaganda against abortion, you get this when they shill for the money:
It turns out we need not go outside of Canada at all to find the kinds of government funded religious bigotry and misogyny that our pundits claim exists only in the Islamic World.
We and the government of Canada are directly funding misogyny and anti-woman propaganda today.
It is time to stop this and end the “charitable” status extended to these political wings of Canada’s Christian anti-woman and anti-LGBT political warriors.
Michael Laxer lives in Toronto where he runs a bookstore. He is a political activist and one of two Spokespersons for the Socialist Party of Ontario.
Natalie Lochwin is a Toronto political activist, and one of two Spokespersons for the Socialist Party of Ontario.
Support rabble today!
We’re so glad you stopped by! Thanks for consuming rabble content this year.
rabble.ca is 100% reader and donor funded, so as an avid reader of our content, we hope you will consider gifting rabble with a donation during our summer fundraiser today.
Whether it be a one-time donation or a small monthly contribution, your support is critical to keep rabble writers producing the work you’ve come to rely on as a part of a healthy media diet.
Become a rabble rouser — donate to rabble.ca today.
Nick Seebruch, editor
