Advocacy, charity and struggles for global justice in Canada

Abstract

This article examines the regulatory, political and financial context for global justice advocacy by Canadian civil society organisations (CSOs). We find that federal regulations have constrained these organisations’ capacity for advocacy, and that CSOs themselves restrict their advocacy work beyond regulatory requirements due to risk aversion and funding challenges. Our study draws on tax data and other publicly available information, and on interviews with CSO staff and board members. Canada’s regulations on policy advocacy by CSOs changed in early 2019, but the previous legal framework continues to shape their work. To better engage Canadians in their cause, CSOs need to revisit their advocacy practice.