The Charity Insights Canada Project (CICP) published insights into public policy engagement in the Canadian charitable sector. According to the research, 52% of participating charities indicated that they engage in advocacy activities; meanwhile, only 12% engage in lobbying activities.  The research found that Executive Directors most often assume the responsibility of government relations (72%), followed by board members (36%).

Effective January 19, 2026, new federal guidance lowered the threshold at which charities and nonprofits must register their in-house lobbying activities under Canada’s Lobbying Act. Based on the CICP research, knowledge and awareness of this significant change to the Lobbying Act is low, with 7% of respondents having a good or very strong understanding of the changes. 

For further insights into the data, click here.