Engaging in PPDDA

Step 1: Understand what PPDDA is

According to the CRA, Public Policy Dialogue and Development Activities (PPDDA) are activities where a charity seeks to engage the public to change, retain, or oppose a law, decision or policy of any government, whether in Canada or a foreign country. 

In order for an activity to be considered PPDDA, it must be public. 

For example, setting up a meeting with a Minister to discuss policy options or advocate for a change to a policy is not considered a PPDDA activity. However, releasing materials to the public that were shared with the Minister and which include a call for action is considered a PPDDA activity.

Any Project that undertakes PPDDA activities must follow the CRA's guidelines.

Step 2: Review PPDDA activities with MakeWay

Projects must review all planned PPDDA activities with the Support Team. All activities must be in compliance with the following CRA guidelines:

  • They are related to the Project's stated charitable purpose.
  • They are non-partisan, e.g. they do not directly or indirectly support or oppose a politician or party.
  • They are fact-based.
  • They are well-reasoned and non-emotive.

These rules apply to any materials or posts that Projects develop or share. According to the CRA everything on your social media and website is considered owned by you. What this means in practice is that you cannot re-share anything (material, tweet, video, etc) that does not meet these standards. 

Step 3: Track and report PPDDA

Charities must report all PPDDA activities. Projects are required to submit their PPDDA activities to MakeWay twice a year.

MakeWay recommends that Projects track PPDDA activities as they occur. The Project Specialist can provide a tracking document to support PPDDA reporting efforts.