Thank you for your email about the risk posed to non-profit societies from the government of British Columbia’s proposed changes to the Society Act. Non-profit societies play a vital role in our communities, providing a diverse range of important services. My colleagues and I in the B.C. New Democrat caucus share your concern that elements of the proposed changes could negatively impact the work of non-profits across the province. We are particularly concerned about the direction the B.C. Liberal government is taking in its decision to potentially tie up non-profit organizations with limited resources in lengthy, and costly, court battles. The federal government under Prime Minister Stephen Harper made similar changes in an effort to crack down on non-profit organizations, including changing the rules on registered charities that issue tax receipts to their donors. It is alarming that we now see Christy Clark’s Liberal government following suit. If these proposed changes come to the B.C. legislature, the New Democrat caucus will be here to hold the government to account for reckless changes that could endanger the work of B.C.’s non-profit organizations. Were proud of our record on standing up for those who speak out, including passing anti-SLAPP legislation to limit nuisance lawsuits in 2001. The B.C. Liberal government repealed that law, the Protection of Public Participation Act, and we are alert to the fact that the effect of their changes to the Society Act may be to hinder public participation further. We believe the most important action that British Columbians can take now is to provide submissions to the Ministry of Finance before the October 15, 2014 deadline. Thank you for sharing your submission with us so we too can help your voice be heard. Sincerely, Carole Carole James Member of the Legislative Assembly for Victoria-Beacon Hill New Democrat Opposition Spokesperson for Finance -----Original Message----- From: George Menzies Sent: September 20, 2014 3:30 PM To: James.MLA, Carole Subject: The Court Remedies and BC Society Act A gun for hire policy calling on all would-be political assassins. Dear Minister De Jong, I am alarmed by your government’s proposals to make the court system a major feature of the regulation of BC’s societies. Most of BC’s 27,000 societies do not have the resources or skills to go to court just because some litigious individual, or even a disgruntled member, feels that they are not acting in the public interest. These provisions invite abuse and will intimidate those involved in smaller societies. A vibrant civil society – comprised of community groups, churches, health organizations, environmental organizations and other societies – can only benefit us all. A heavy-handed proposal to invite court petitions against these community groups will hurt British Columbians the long-run. Sincerely, George Menzies
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 00:54:36 +0000
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