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Charities

When does a breach of Canadian charity law cross the line into crime?

CRA referrals to criminal investigators have led to zero charges in the last decade

Bethany Lindsay

7 May 2026 4 min read

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A pair of clasped hands wearing handcuffs are shown in close-up.
The Canada Revenue Agency has a unit that can investigate criminal allegations of tax fraud and evasion by charities. Just two such investigations have been opened in the last 10 years. ((Joshua Boucher/The State via AP)

Bethany Lindsay
Bethany Lindsay

Bethany Lindsay is an award-winning investigative journalist who covers white-collar crime. She is based in Vancouver and previously reported for CBC News, the Vancouver Sun, and the Cambodia Daily.

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