MPs comment on the CRA decision to revoke JNF-Canada’s charitable status

(AJNews) – A letter to Winnipeg’s Jewish community from two Members of Parliament appeared in a recent edition of Jewish Post and News. The letter, from MP for Mount Royal, Anthony Housefather and MP for Winnipeg South Centre, Ben Carr, addressed the ongoing controversy between JNF Canada and Canada Revenue Agency. In August, CRA abruptly announced that it had revoked the charitable status of JNF Canada. Canadian Jewish News has published a series of articles covering the controversy from all angles.

MPs Carr and Housefather, both members of the Liberal Party of Canada wrote: “For decades, the Jewish National Fund has inspired hope, optimism, and pride within our community. Thousands have fond memories of blue boxes and tree planting initiatives that have made you feel closer to Israel and the community.

“As many of you are aware, there have been substantial developments regarding JNF over the past [month]. In the lead up to the recent decision by the Canada Revenue Agency to Revoke JNF’s charitable status, and since its publication that confirmed that decision in the Canada Gazette, we have been engaging with the senior leadership of JNF, CIJA, Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, our colleagues in Ottawa, and the grassroots of our community.

“It is important for us to note a few key aspects of this case that may help provide context for members of the community who are trying to make sense of what has happened.

“This process started with a 2014 audit under the previous government, leading to the auditor making a recommendation to revoke JNF’s status. That was appealed to the charitable branch at CRA and last month a letter signaling CRA’s intention to strike was sent to JNF, leading to the appeal. The core issue for the revocation appears to be the CRA’s assertion that JNF’s original founding charitable object that it accepted almost 60 years ago is now no longer considered to be a charitable object.

“We can deeply appreciate how this has left many of you feeling, particularly against the backdrop of all that has happened over the past year.

“We have heard your concerns related specifically to the JNF issue. In addition, we want to assure you that the feelings of isolation, disillusionment, and fear that the Jewish community in Canada is experiencing by virtue of a rising tide of antisemitism and targeted hatred is being expressed regularly by us to colleagues in Ottawa. As we continue our advocacy to support and protect the Jewish community, your voices are at the forefront of our discussions and actions

“We will stay closely attuned to the JNF court challenge as it proceeds.”

Meanwhile, JNF is calling on the elected representatives to take responsibility.

In a release, they stated, “To date, Liberal MPs have situated the actions of CRA as a bureaucratic response to JNF’s charitable objects because of audits undertaken in 2014. If elected officials are arguing that unelected bureaucrats have been delegated the authority to make a decision of this magnitude, that was a mistake. The Government should take responsibility. The Minister of National Revenue and the Government of Canada should put the revocation of our charitable status on hold until the courts have ruled, as is customary in situations like ours (based on our lawyer’s review of over 200 cases). JNF Canada should be provided the fundamental value of the presumption of innocence, especially because we are not an aggravated case.”

JNF reassured their donors by stating,  “While for the time being we are not allowed to issue charitable receipts, please rest assured that we will continue to raise funds in support of building Israel’s social infrastructure to the benefit of vulnerable populations such as youth-at-risk, victims of domestic abuse, children with special needs, veterans and the disadvantaged.Hurting JNF hurts Israelis who need our help the most, especially as they try to recover from the horrors of October 7.

“There were many opportunities to solve this issue short of the draconian penalty of revocation. JNF would welcome the opportunity to find an off-ramp and will, as demonstrated many times before, continue to do whatever is necessary to satisfy the expectations of CRA.