The CCSD is a founding member of a coalition called the Voluntary Sector Roundtable, which was formed last year in response to concerns about governments withdrawing from programs and services and reducing funding.

Group members lobbied for new tax incentives for charitable donations to be incorporated in the 1996 budget, and saw some results when the Finance Minister announced several of the tax changes they had sought. Members have since met with National Revenue Minister Jane Stewart to press for further tax changes to increase incentives for small donors to contribute to charities.

The group is also committed to working with the federal government over the next few years to clarify the capacity and limitations of the voluntary sector and the relationship between the public and voluntary sector.

Members of the VSR include: the Canadian Association of Volunteer Bureaus and Centres; the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy; the Canadian Conference for the Arts; the Canadian Council for International Co-operation; the Canadian Environmental Network; Community Foundations of Canada; National Voluntary Health Agencies; National Voluntary Organizations and the United Way of Canada. Representatives of faith communities and sports and recreation organizations are also involved.

Susan Carter, associate director of the CCSD, has been representing the Council at VSR meetings.

Canadian Council on Social Development, 190 O'Connor Street, Suite 100, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2R3