From AFP INternational (www.afpnet.org)

(April 17, 2006) The Canadian government has moved one step closer to officially recognizing Nov. 15 of each year as National Philanthropy Day®, with the reintroduction of the National Philanthropy Day Act, Bill S-204, by Sen. Jerahmiel S. Grafstein (Liberal, Metro Toronto), chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce.

If the bill receives Royal Assent, Canada would be the first country in the world to permanently recognize National Philanthropy Day®.

“We are pleased to see the reintroduction of the National Philanthropy Day® Act,” said Paulette V. Maehara, CFRE, CAE, president and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). “Thousands of Canadians across the country celebrate NPD with their local communities and AFP Chapters, and hundreds of thousands more around the world hold similar celebrations. It’s only fitting that the federal government also recognize the hard work, spirit and dedication of these individuals.”

The legislation, which gained firm support last November, was first introduced in response to AFP’s first ever Advocacy Day on Nov. 1, 2005, after representatives from 11 of AFP's 14 chapters in Canada converged on Parliament Hill to meet with members of Parliament and their staffs and encourage them to support a government-recognized NPD.

In response to these efforts, Sen. Grafstein introduced legislation to have the Canadian government recognize Nov. 15 of each year as National Philanthropy Day® (Bill S-46). Sen. Terry M. Mercer, CFRE (Liberal, Nova Scotia-Northend Halifax), also the chair of the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy-Canada, seconded the legislation.

Unfortunately, the 2005 version of the legislation was not approved because federal elections were called.

The bill is not only supported by AFP, but has been lauded by other philanthropic organizations in Canada. A full copy of the bill is available on the Parliamentary website at www.parl.gc.ca.

AFP will keep members apprised of the situation through eWire and other communications.