CFIC's Cost of Religion in Canada series of reports is complete!

Over the past year, the Centre for Inquiry Canada has published a report series called The Cost of Religion in Canada. The final report, More Than Just The Money, was released earlier this month.

CFIC obtained data from Canada Revenue Agency about charities that self-identify as existing for the primary purpose of "Advancement of Religion". While several religious organizations support genuinely charitable activities such as soup kitchens or English as a second language classes (among others), the vast majority of funds collected by religious charities go to maintaining houses of worship and proselytization. The societal benefit of this government policy is, at best, questionable. 

Furthermore, the cost is enormous. Combined with the fact that houses of worship are exempt from paying property taxes in every province and territory in Canada, the cost comes to $5,400,000,000 - nearly five and a half billion dollars, every year.

Read the report series, and join me and CFIC Executive Director Sandra Dunham on Sunday, April 24, 2022 at 3 PM ET for a webinar that will summarize our findings and describe the important implications for Canadian society. Registration is free. 

I hope to see you there.