(BCC) Canadian culture of life organizations breathed a sigh of relief after the federal government tabled its 2025 budget Nov. 4, which left the charitable status of pro-life non-profits intact.
These groups were on edge in the lead-up to the budget, as recommendations 429 and 430 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance’s (FINA) 2024 pre-budget consultations report called for removing charitable status from pro-life and advancement of religion non-profits, respectively.
Organizations, individuals, and media outlets — including The Catholic Register — sought a clear answer from the Department of Finance on whether pro-life charitable status would be upheld or revoked, but no response came before budget day.
A finance department communications officer did confirm, however, that “the Government of Canada is not considering amending the Income Tax Act to remove the advancement of religion as a qualifying charitable purpose or to revoke the status of faith-based charities.”
Jeff Gunnarson, national president of Campaign Life Coalition, the political arm of Canada’s pro-life movement, said Oct. 30 he was “deeply alarmed” by the department’s silence. Six days later, he was able to celebrate.
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“The Liberal government was right to listen to ordinary citizens and faith leaders and ultimately reject these outrageous recommendations,” said Gunnarson. “Thanks be to God; Canada lives to see another day without a dark cloud of persecution hanging over religious and pro-life organizations.
“This victory belongs to the concerned citizens across Canada who took the time to sign a petition or write a letter to their MP or the Finance Minister. This proves that when enough people speak out, good things can happen.”
Pregnancy Care Canada (PCC), a Christ-centred organization that supports 80 pregnancy centres nationwide, played a key role in defending charitable status for religious and pro-life groups.
In a submission to FINA, PCC executive director Laura Lewis urged “the government ensure charitable status continues for organizations offering medically accurate pregnancy care support, including those that do not provide or refer for abortions.”
Lewis made that appeal in response to recommendation 429 and to proposed October 2024 legislation that sought to revoke charitable status for pregnancy care organizations that do not refer for or provide abortions. She also emphasized that “religious charities play a vital role in Canadian social support systems.”
Tweet This: The Government of Canada is not considering amending the Income Tax Act to remove the charitable status of pro-life non-profits for now.
The office of Liberal MP Karina Gould, current FINA chair, affirmed that role in an email to Christian Reformed Church pastor Al Postma, shared with the Register. Gould’s team wrote: “We respect the role faith-based organizations play in communities across the country, and religious organizations continue to enjoy charitable status under the same rules that apply to all charities in Canada.”
In the same message, Gould’s office noted that the two recommendations were “made in 2024 during the previous session of Parliament, under the previous government and prior to MP Gould being a member of the Standing Committee on Finance. As such, MP Gould was not involved in its development.”
The pro-life community will watch next year’s pre-budget consultations closely. If the 2026 FINA report excludes any call to end charitable status for pro-life or religious groups, it may affirm Gould’s office’s view that the Carney government has charted a different course from its predecessor.
Jack Fonseca, Campaign Life’s political director, urged continued vigilance.
“This was likely a trial balloon to gauge public reaction,” he said. “When Canadians raised a loud and unified protest, the attack was withdrawn. But we must remain on guard against future attempts by unethical governments to undermine the very foundation of civil society.”
Editor's note: This article was published by The B.C. Catholic and is reprinted with permission.
