by National House of Prayer
by Marilyn Byberg
In their 2021 platform, the Liberals pledged to deny charitable status to organizations providing “dishonest” information on abortion. On October 29, 2024, MP Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, introduced a notice of a ways and means motion in the House of Commons to fulfill this promise.
Here are her words as recorded in the Hansard: “ Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to ensuring that every woman has the right to make informed decisions about her body. Therefore, pursuant to Standing Order 83(1), I would like to table, in both official languages, a notice of ways and means motion that contains our plan to require more transparency from charities that use deceptive tactics to push women away from making their own reproductive decisions.” Ien requested a designated order of the day for the motion’s consideration, which will proceed directly to a vote without debate.
Much of what I’ve read on this topic focuses on Crisis Pregnancy Centres; however, Ms. Ien’s phrasing in the above quote is broader, referring to ‘charities.’ I don’t believe the plan is to stop at Pregnancy Centres. Rather, if this motion passes, any charity that does not support abortion could be at risk of losing its charitable status, regardless of its primary mission. This change could put many valuable organizations—such as local homeless shelters, churches, para church organizations and health centers—in jeopardy, as losing charitable status would create serious financial challenges that may threaten their survival. A charity should not be required to align with the Liberal party’s views to maintain its tax-exempt status.
Interestingly, this motion will not impact abortion law in Canada, as no specific law exists. Abortion will continue under the broad parameters currently in place. Additionally, a Ways and Means motion is a confidence motion, meaning if the opposition votes with the government, it signals support. Conversely, voting against it could label them as opposing women’s rights.
The Liberals appear to be using this as a wedge issue to draw clear lines between themselves and their opponents, likely to rally their base and shift public focus amid their current unpopularity. By emphasizing this divisive topic, they may aim to energize supporters and present a distinct stance that contrasts with opposing views, hoping to regain momentum and support.
There are tools available to help prevent this motion from passing. One option is to contact your Member of Parliament to express disapproval. We recommend writing a letter followed up with a phone call, rather than sending an email. We’ve seen a similar situation before: in 2017, the Liberal government imposed a similar requirement on the Canada Summer Jobs program. Many valuable organizations were unable to hire summer students or even faced potential closure due to the Liberals’ ‘values test.’ However, after thousands of Canadians spoke out against it, the requirement was eventually reversed.
MP Garnett Genuis addressed this issue in the House on October 29, 2024, where he presented a petition raising concerns about the Liberal proposal to incorporate political criteria into the definition of charitable status. The petition argues against denying charitable status to organizations that disagree with the Liberal Party’s stance on abortion. It calls on the House to uphold charitable status rules in a politically and ideologically neutral manner, free from discrimination, and to affirm Canadians’ right to freedom of expression.
You can still add your name to this Values Test 2.0 petition. The more Canadians who sign, the greater the impact it will have.
- Pray for the pro-life Members of Parliament, that they may remain bold and courageous, continuing to be strong advocates for the unborn and the vulnerable.
- Pray for individuals across all parties who feel discontent with the current direction in our government to find the courage to rise up and advocate for a righteous reformation. Pray that they would be empowered to challenge the status quo, push for positive change, and work toward policies that reflect integrity, justice, and respect for all. Let their voices be bold and their actions be driven by a vision for a more compassionate and upright society.
- Pray for the church, that we would truly express our calling to be salt and light in this world, especially as we speak into this situation. Pray for wisdom and grace to address these issues with truth and compassion. Pray that our words and actions would inspire hope, encourage unity, and offer guidance to those seeking clarity.
- Pray for wisdom to establish the framework needed to defend our freedoms. Let’s be strategic in putting measures in place now to protect freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.”
Proverbs 2:6-8