On Parliament Hill

Earlier this year I introduced a Private Members Bill in the House of Commons entitled The Fairness in Charitable Gifts Act – Bill C-239. The Fairness in Charitable Gifts Act would have encouraged charitable giving by offering a more generous federal tax benefit for donations to charities. This would have strengthened and empowered charities right across Canada.

Despite the incredible impact charities have on our lives and country, the fact remains that Canadian charities are faced with an aging and ever declining donor base. In fact, the number of Canadians donating to charities has been on a long-term decline across the country. The percentage of tax filers claiming charitable donations has fallen from almost 30% to just over 20% over the past 25 years.

Southern Manitoba, however, is bucking that trend. We are known as the most generous area of the country and several communities right here in Provencher hold the top spots in the ‘most generous’ category.

As we gather with family and friends this holiday season, we will no doubt give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy as Canadians.

With the end of the 2016 donation tax year quickly approaching, this is a great time for all of us to reflect on those blessings and remember our favourite charities with our donations.

Whether it be your local food bank, church or service group, charities rely heavily on end of year donations. Let’s remember them as we celebrate the wonderful gift of Christ this Christmas.