The Ontario government’s latest move to expand audit powers over non-profit groups has sent shockwaves through civil society organizations across the province. Premier Doug Ford’s administration introduced legislation Monday that would allow his government to force audits on a wide range of groups — from environmental advocates to poverty fighters — in what critics call an unprecedented assault on democratic freedoms.
As I spoke with volunteers at a Toronto community food bank last week, the conversation inevitably turned to these proposed powers. “We’re already stretched thin with reporting requirements,” explained Maria Chen, who helps coordinate donations. “Another layer of politically-motivated scrutiny could cripple small organizations like ours.”
The legislation, buried within Bill 213, the Working for Workers Four Act, would give Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy sweeping powers to demand financial records, communications, and strategic plans from organizations that engage in “advocacy activities” — a deliberately vague term that could encompass nearly any group speaking out on public issues.
“This represents a fundamental shift in how government interacts with civil society,” notes Dr. Emmett Parker, democracy specialist at Ryerson University’s Centre for Policy Innovation. “Democratic governments typically maintain arm’s-length relationships with advocacy groups, not position themselves as their auditors.”
The timing hasn’t gone unnoticed. This legislation follows closely on the heels of numerous high-profile conflicts between the Ford government and environmental groups opposing highway development, healthcare advocates criticizing hospital privatization, and housing activists demanding stronger tenant protections.
What’s particularly troubling about these audit powers is their selective nature. The finance minister would have complete discretion over which groups face scrutiny, raising legitimate concerns about political targeting. Opposition parties have already sounded alarms about potential abuse.
“This is about silencing critics, plain and simple,” Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles told reporters at Queen’s Park. “Organizations already comply with Canada Revenue Agency requirements. This is about intimidation, not transparency.”
Government officials defend the measure as ensuring taxpayer funds are properly spent. “Ontarians deserve to know where their money is going,” Bethlenfalvy stated during question period. However, this reasoning falls flat when examining the actual text, which extends audit powers beyond groups receiving government funding to potentially include any organization engaged in public advocacy.
The Working Families Coalition, which has historically run ads critical of Conservative governments, appears squarely in the crosshairs. The group’s spokesperson, Patrick Dillon, didn’t mince words: “We’ve been transparent about our work for two decades. This is about silencing working-class voices before the next election.”
Legal experts question the legislation’s constitutional footing. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has already signaled potential court challenges, noting the bill may infringe on freedom of association and expression protections.
“When government can selectively target organizations for intensive audits based on their advocacy positions, that creates a chilling effect on democratic participation,” explains constitutional lawyer Samantha Wright. “Organizations may self-censor to avoid government scrutiny.”
Ford’s approach mirrors concerning international trends. In Hungary, Viktor Orbán’s government used similar audit mechanisms to harass civil society groups critical of government policies. In Poland, expanded audit powers preceded more direct assaults on non-governmental organizations. These parallels haven’t escaped notice among democracy watchdogs.
The proposed legislation comes amid Ford’s declining poll numbers and growing public dissatisfaction with his handling of housing affordability, healthcare wait times, and environmental protection. Recent Abacus Data polling shows his approval rating has dipped to 32%, with 58% of respondents believing Ontario is “on the wrong track.”
What makes this situation particularly concerning is the breadth of organizations potentially affected. From local parent-teacher associations to province-wide environmental coalitions, any group engaging in public discourse could find themselves under the microscope.
Small grassroots organizations would be disproportionately affected. Many operate with volunteer staff and limited resources. The administrative burden of responding to government audit demands could effectively shut down their operations.
“We’re already drowning in paperwork,” says Jennifer Wu, who runs a small nonprofit supporting new immigrants in Mississauga. “Our staff of three would be completely overwhelmed if we had to produce years of detailed records on short notice.”
The Ford government’s track record of confrontational approaches to criticism doesn’t inspire confidence in how these powers would be used. Earlier this year, government officials publicly attacked environmental groups opposing Highway 413 as “special interests” despite broad-based community opposition to the project.
As this legislation moves through Queen’s Park, Ontarians face a crucial question about what kind of province they want. Will civil society organizations remain independent voices, or will they operate under constant threat of government scrutiny if they challenge provincial policies?
The answer will shape Ontario’s democratic landscape for years to come. For a government that campaigned on being “for the people,” Ford’s administration seems increasingly comfortable with tactics that silence those same people when they organize to make their voices heard.
