Pro-life groups celebrate as 2025 budget rejects calls to strip charitable status, crediting public outcry; vigilance urged for future threats.
Newsroom (06/11/2025, Gaudium Press ) Canadian pro-life advocates expressed relief after the federal government’s 2025 budget, tabled Nov. 4, preserved the charitable status of anti-abortion non-profits.
The decision followed months of uncertainty sparked by recommendations 429 and 430 in the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance (FINA) pre-budget report, released in December 2024. These called for revoking tax-exempt status from pro-life organizations and those advancing religion.
No explicit response came from the Department of Finance despite inquiries from groups, individuals and media, including The Catholic Register. However, a department spokesperson confirmed days before the budget that no changes were planned to remove “advancement of religion” as a charitable purpose or revoke faith-based charities’ status.
Jeff Gunnarson, national president of Campaign Life Coalition, hailed the outcome Oct. 30 as a victory for public advocacy. “The Liberal government was right to listen to ordinary citizens and faith leaders and ultimately reject these outrageous recommendations,” he said. “This victory belongs to the concerned citizens across Canada who took the time to sign a petition or write a letter.”
Pregnancy Care Canada (PCC), supporting 80 centres nationwide, had urged FINA to protect organizations providing pregnancy support without abortion referrals. Executive director Laura Lewis emphasized religious charities’ role in social services.
FINA chair Karina Gould’s office echoed this in correspondence, noting faith-based groups “continue to enjoy charitable status under the same rules that apply to all charities.” It distanced the recommendations from the current Parliament and Gould’s tenure.
Pro-life leaders remain cautious. Campaign Life’s Jack Fonseca warned the proposals may have been a “trial balloon,” adding: “We must remain on guard against future attempts.”
Attention now turns to the 2026 FINA report, expected before Christmas recess, under Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Catholic Register
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