The Board Chair is the official spokesperson on behalf of the Foundation on matters relating to policy and community leadership. The Executive Director is the official spokesperson on behalf of the Foundation on operational matters. Depending on the nature of the community leadership initiative, consideration will be given by the Chair and the Executive Director/CEO on delegating this responsibility, as long as any statements made are consistent with Foundation policy and practices.

Canadian Law and Regulatory Compliance

Only authorized spokespersons may speak on behalf of the Foundation. Public statements must be accurate, consistent with charitable purposes, privacy and confidentiality obligations, donor restrictions and applicable defamation, intellectual-property, human-rights, election and advertising laws.

The Foundation may engage in non-partisan public policy dialogue and development activities that further its stated charitable purposes and provide a public benefit. It will not directly or indirectly support or oppose a political party or candidate, and will keep records demonstrating the connection between the communication and its charitable purposes.

Application note: This template must be read with the Foundation's articles, bylaws, gift terms and the federal, provincial or territorial laws that apply to its incorporation, activities and operating jurisdictions. Organization-specific facts and provincial requirements require lawyer confirmation before adoption.

Monitoring: This policy will be reviewed every three years.

Board Acceptance: This policy was approved/reaffirmed at the ___________Board meeting.