On March 24th, Transparency International Chair and President, Susan Côté-Freeman testified on behalf of TI Canada at the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Susan was called as an expert witness on Bill S-217 - An Act respecting the repurposing of certain seized, frozen or sequestrated assets.

At the end of 2021, the Prime Minister’s Office released the mandate letters of federal ministers. Mandate letters provide important information for Canadians to hold the government accountable on policy directions.

On December 9-10, the United States hosted roughly 100 countries for a virtual Summit for Democracy. The Summit was held by the US in recognition of the growing global erosion of democracy and increasing influence of authoritarianism. The Government of Canada made six commitments on anti-corruption actions. TI Canada welcomes these commitments, but would like to see more details.

On December 3rd, the End Snow Washing Coalition, comprised of Transparency International Canada, Publish What You Pay Canada and Canadians for Tax Fairness, submitted comments to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Earlier this week, James Cohen, Executive Director at TI Canada provided testimony to Ontario’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. This testimony was in relation to Schedule 2 of Bill 43, which addresses the Ontario Corporations Act.

Canada receives a ‘C’ grade with a score of 54/100 in the 2020 Government Defence Integrity Index (GDI) released today by Transparency International .

Transparency International Canada’s Executive Director, James Cohen, was invited to attend a press conference for the introduction of legislation to increase Ontario real estate. The Anti-Money Laundering in Housing Act, proposed by Ontario NDP Housing critic Jessica Bell (University-Rosedale), and MPP Bhutila Karpoche would require corporations, trusts, and partnerships that own real estate to disclose individual owners, with failure to comply resulting in fines of up to $100,000.

TI Canada makes submissions with TI movement and the ‘End Snow Washing’ Coalition for FATF consultation on Recommendation 24: Transparency and Beneficial Ownership of Legal Persons.

The Open Government Team within the Government of Canada announced their latest step in the creation of a National Action Plan. This latest step involves gathering feedback and reactions on five draft commitments that are intended to make up the National Action Plan.

During Transparency International Canada’s 24th Annual General Meeting on June 22nd, three new members were voted onto TI Canada’s volunteer Board of Directors by the TI Canada membership. These members bring with them a deep understanding of TI Canada’s mission and a dedication to strengthening transparency across Canada. TI Canada is very pleased to welcome these new Board Members.

On Friday, May 21, TI Canada sent a letter to Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, that urges G7 countries to unanimously commit to the adoption of beneficial ownership registries, and to coordinate in calling for beneficial ownership registries as a recommendation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The End Snow-Washing Coalition sent a letter to the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, welcoming her announcement for a publicly accessible beneficial ownership registry in Budget 2021.