By Canadian Press

Feds are ‘very closely’ examining concerns of Muslim charities who feel targeted: PM

Jul 20, 2021 | 2:27 PM

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his government is extremely concerned about recent reports that Muslim charities are being unfairly targeted for federal audits and sanctions.

Trudeau tells a news conference today the Liberal government is looking “very closely” at its processes, adding it is unacceptable to single out any particular community.

Almost 100 Muslim organizations and civil society groups wrote to Trudeau this week asking the Liberals to announce reforms to the Canada Revenue Agency’s processes on Thursday at a national action summit on Islamophobia.

They also want the government to overturn the revenue agency’s recent decision to suspend the ability of long-established charity Human Concern International to issue tax receipts following an audit.

The organizations point to a June report by the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group that said the revenue agency’s Review and Analysis Division works with national security agencies to carry out its audits, with little accountability.

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In response to the report, the revenue agency said it does not select registered charities for audit based on any particular faith or denomination, adding it is firmly dedicated to diversity, inclusion and anti-racism.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 20, 2021.

The Canadian Press