Green Party: The Munk Leaders' Debate is Illegal in Both Official Languages

(OTTAWA) - The Green Party of Canada has filed a complaint with the Canada Revenue Agency  demanding an immediate investigation of the Aurea Foundation’s illegal sponsorship of the Munk Leaders’ Debate. The complaint is based on paragraph 149.1(6.1) (c) of the Income Tax Act that prohibits a charitable foundation from participating in activities that, directly or indirectly, support or oppose any political party or candidate for election (See letter).

“Not inviting Elizabeth May, in the view of our counsel, is breaking the law and the CRA should step in and enforce it,” said Jim Harris, Green Party spokesperson.

The Green Party expects the Aurea Foundation to comply with the law by extending an invitation to Elizabeth May and the complaint will be withdrawn.

The legal opinion provided by Toronto law firm Iler Campbell reads in part:

“The effect (if not the intent) of not including Ms. May in the Debate could be to diminish the standing of the Party in the mind of the electorate, which arguably amounts to an indirect opposition to the Party at least as regards foreign policy matters. To the extent that the Aurea Foundation provides resources to support the Debate, and the Debate is a partisan political activity, then the Aurea Foundation will not be operating exclusively for a charitable purpose, which means that it will cease to comply with the requirements of the Income Tax Act for its registration.” (See attached opinion)

‘The right thing to do is obey the law and invite Elizabeth May,” said Harris.

The CRA at the behest of the Harper government has conducted numerous political activity audits of environmental, development and anti-poverty charities. Audits of right wing think tanks and other organizations ideologically aligned with the government have been conspicuously absent.

Letters have also been sent to the Aurea Foundation, Roy Thomson Hall and CPAC.

For more information regarding the complaint, contact:

Brian Iler, Iler  Campbell LLC 416-598-0544 | Cell 416-835-4384
Jim Harris, Former Green Party Leader 416-467-6006

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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
julian.morelli@greenparty.ca

Or

Kirsten Strom
Executive Assistant to Director of Communications 
t: 613.562.4916 (200) 
Toll Free 1.866.868.3447
kirsten.strom@greenparty.ca