This will enable us to get on with the business of raising funds and fulfilling our goals. At issue is whether the federal government will apply to the Supreme Court of Canada for leave to appeal the decision of the Federal Court of Appeal released on July 8. That decision held that providing free public access to the Internet is a charitable activity entitling the Vancouver Community Network to be registered as a charitable organization under the Income Tax Act. The group had appealed the minister's refusal to register the group as a charity. That is, in my view, as much a charitable purpose in the time of the second Elizabeth as was the provision of access by more conventional highways in the time of the first Queen of that name.
Charitable status is essential for effective fundraising.
Whether your concerns are about the environment, health or anything else, this decision is a good one. It clearly acknowledges that a public role in electronic communications is essential to the maintenance of democracy.