Friday April 25, 2025 | TORONTO, ON
AGENDA
Join us for a 1-day conference. The day’s first segment will feature a panel discussion on the role of the charitable sector within the growing conservation finance movement, followed by a presentation discussing the spectrum of investment powers of charities across Canada. Following a short break, a panel discussion will commence on select challenges experienced by Canadian charities operating abroad. An update from the Canada Revenue Agency Charities Directorate will follow lunch, after which there will be a presentation taking the temperature of the recent changes to the disbursement quota, a case law update, and a presentation concerning the regulation of charities in Canada. After a brief break, a brief discussion will be had on what Canadian charities need to know during a federal election followed by the presentation of both the CBA Jane Burke Robertson Award of Excellence in Charity and Not-for-Profit Law and the CBA Charities and Not-for-Profit Law Student Essay Contest winner.
Agenda Subject to Change
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7:45 am – 8:30 am
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Registration and Breakfast
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8:30 am – 8:35 am
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Opening Remarks
Co-Chairs:
Bryan Millman, Miller Thomson LLP (Vancouver, BC)
Anna Naud, True North Law P.C. (Whitby, ON)
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8:35 am – 9:50 am
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Conservation Finance Panel
A discussion on the role of the charitable sector within the growing conservation finance movement.
Speakers:
Karen Cooper, Cooper Charity Law (Ottawa, ON)
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9:50 am – 11:00 am
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The Spectrum of Investment Powers of Charities Across Canada
A presentation explaining the legal guardrails that charities need to be aware of with regards to the investment of charitable assets, as well as the need to develop a general investment policy.
Speakers:
Terrance Carter, Partner at Carters Professional Corporation (Orangeville, ON)
Yvonne Chenier, K.C., Legal Counsel (Calgary, AB)
Jacqueline Demczur, Partner at Carters Professional Corporation (Orangeville, ON)
Luke Johnson, Barrister & Solicitor, L. Johnson Law Group, (Surrey, BC)
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11:00 am – 11:15 am
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Refreshment Break
Sponsor
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11:20 am – 12:20 pm
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Canadian Charities Abroad
A discussion about challenges encountered by Canadian charities while carrying on activities within the geographic borders of foreign nations.
Speakers:
Philip Milley, Mastercard Foundation (Toronto, ON)
Andrew Valentine, Partner at Miller Thomson LLP (Toronto, ON)
Ryan Prendergast, Partner at Carters Professional Corporation (Orangeville, ON)
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12:20 pm – 1:00 pm
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Networking Lunch
Sponsor
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1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
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CRA Comes to Lunch
An update on the work of the Charities Directorate and its ongoing initiatives.
Speakers: Sharmila Khare, Director General, Canada Revenue Agency (Ottawa, ON)
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1:35 pm – 2:35 pm
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The Disbursement Quota: The Regime and Working Within It
A Deeper Dive into the Disbursement Quota and What It Means For Registered Charities in Practice.
Speakers:
Theresa Man, Partner at Carters Professional Corporation (Orangeville, ON)
Gwenyth Stadig, Partner at Gowling WLG LLP (Waterloo, ON)
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2:35 pm – 3:15 pm
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Case Law Update
An update on noteworthy cases from 2024-2025.
Speaker: Valerie Sedlezky, Torkin Manes LLP (Toronto, ON)
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3:15 pm – 4:15 pm
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An Appealing Illusion
An analysis of the process governing the appeal of CRA registration refusals and revocations and why the CRA’s disclosure practices and restrictions are relevant.
Speaker: Bob Wyatt, Muttart Foundation (Edmonton, AB)
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4:15 pm – 4:25 pm
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Refreshment Break
Sponsor
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4:25 pm – 5:25 pm
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Charities and Policy Advocacy During a Federal Election
Sponsor
What Clients Need to Know To Remain Onside Relevant Legal Obligations.
Speakers:
Susan Manwaring, Miller Thomson LLP (Toronto, ON)
David Stevens, Gowlings WLG (Toronto, ON)
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5:30 pm – 5:45 pm
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CBA Jane Burke-Robertson Award of Excellence in Charity and Not-For-Profit Law Presentation
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5:45 pm – 6:00 pm
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CBA Charities and Not-for-Profit Law Student Essay Contest Presentation
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6:00 pm – 6:15 pm
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Closing Remarks
Co-Chairs:
Bryan Millman, Miller Thomson LLP (Vancouver, BC)
Anna Naud, True North Law P.C. (Whitby, ON)
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