Released on December 30, 2002
Legislation to regulate businesses that conduct fund-raising for charitableorganizations becomes law on January 1st, 2003.
"I want to stress that most charitable fund-raising in Saskatchewan is
ethical," Justice Minister Chris Axworthy said. "This bill will regulate
fund-raising businesses to ensure that this is the case."
The Charitable Fund-raising Businesses Act requires the licensing of for-
profit fund-raising businesses that raise funds on behalf of Saskatchewan
charities. Once a licence is issued, licensees may be subject to audits
and investigations into their business affairs.
The legislation requires that canvassers working for fund-raising
businesses wear identification cards that include the name, address,
telephone number and licence number of the fund-raising business. The Act
also requires that the amount being paid to the fund-raising business and
to the canvasser be disclosed during solicitations. On request, fund-
raising businesses must also provide the public with information such as
how and where charitable donations will be used.
In the fall of 2000, several charitable organizations approached government
with concerns about questionable practices of some fund-raising businesses.
The new legislation, which was passed in the spring 2001 session of the
Legislative Assembly, is the result of recommendations made by a steering
committee of charitable organizations, law enforcement agencies, and
Justice officials established to consider the concerns and make
recommendations about how to deal with them.
For-profit fund-raising businesses have until March 31st, 2003, to become
licensed.
Fund-raising businesses should contact the Consumer Protection Branch, 1871
Smith Street, Regina, S4P 3V7 at (306) 787-5550 or toll free in
Saskatchewan at 1-888-374-4636.
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For more information, contact:
Debi McEwen
Justice
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-6043
E-mail: dmcewen@justice.gov.sk.ca