PLEA gratefully acknowledges our primary core funder the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan for their continuing and generous support of our organization.
Being a registered charity under the Income Tax Act has a specific legal meaning. It does not simply mean being registered as a charitable corporation. The Charities Directorate is in charge of granting registration. It also monitors registered charities. Registration as a charity comes with rights such as not having to pay income taxes. It also comes with a number of obligations.
The status of registered charity is a designation given by the Canada Revenue Agency. The status of registered charity must be applied for. To be registered as a charity, the organization must exist for a charitable purpose.
Registered charities must have and carry out a charitable purpose. Their purpose must also be for the benefit of the public. Only certain activities are considered to be charitable for the purpose of registering as a charity.
Charities are required to use their resources for charitable purposes. They must keep books and records to document how their resources are being used as well as their sources of revenue.
If a registered charity does not meet its obligations, its registration can be revoked. If this happens, the charity will still have some obligations for a period of time.
The Saskatoon and Regina public libraries are hosting free Law Fairs to help people learn about their legal rights/responsibilities and connect with legal information and support. In Saskatoon, check out the free screening of The Good Canadian presented by Legal Aid Saskatchewan. There's lots to see and do during the 11th annual Saskatchewan Access to Justice (SKA2J) Week!