UCC calls for robust Government support of non-profit, charitable sector

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) calls upon the Government of Canada to provide robust support to charitable and non-profit organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Charitable and non-profit organizations are the lifeblood of communities across Canada. They deliver essential services and support to the most vulnerable members in our society and enrich the lives of all Canadians,” stated Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the UCC. “The cancellation of events, programs and other activities is creating serious challenges for non-profits and charities. These are difficult times, and they call for bold, sustained and rapid action. United in common purpose, I am certain that we will be able to overcome this crisis.”

The UCC surveyed its member organizations, provincial councils and local branches on the impact to our community of the COVID-19 crisis. Yesterday, the UCC presented a brief to the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, recommending a series of Government actions in support of charitable, non-profit and community organizations.

The brief is available here: COVID-19 Crisis: Community impact and Government of Canada Response 

In order to support the not-for-profit and charitable sector, the UCC recommends that the Government of Canada:

1. Introduce wage subsidies of 100% of the maximum EI and CPP benefits, easing the ability of not-for-profits and charities to cover payroll and keep delivering services to Canadians;
2. Introduce direct short-term government cash disbursements to not-for-profits to allow them to surmount the growing liquidity crisis being faced by not-for-profits and charities;
3. Ensure that not-for-profits and charities are eligible for Government of Canada economic stimulus funding and for emergency loans;
4. Introduce an immediate enhancement of the charitable donation tax credit;
5. Work with municipalities to provide relief for not-for-profits and charities on property tax payments.

In order to ensure that all Canadians are well-informed about government advice and directives on countering the COVID-19 crisis, the UCC recommends that the Government of Canada:

1. Provide a short daily written update with important information/directives/advice from the Government of Canada and Public Health Authorities;
2. Work with ethnocultural communities and translators to provide information in heritage languages to those in Canada who have limited knowledge of English or French;
3. Work with ethnocultural community media to ensure that information from the Government of Canada is available to these media outlets in the languages in which they operate.

Earlier today UCC CEO Ihor Michalchyshyn participated in conference calls with the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children, Social Development and the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of  Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, with sector stakeholders to discuss these issues in more detail.

The UCC Brief is available in French here: Crise du COVID-19: Conséquence sur la communauté et intervention du gouvernement du Canada

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