Online Will writing is exploding in Canada, fueled by entrepreneurs who see a need in the market, better technology, changing demographics (did you know that the oldest Millennials are now 40?), and of course, COVID-19 making us all more aware of our mortality.

Delving into the first pages of Digital Executor: Unraveling the New Path for Estate Planning triggered a memory of a Skype conversation with my dad a number of years ago. He, in his leather easy chair, camera focused on his face from the nose up, wanted help in copying and pasting content onto a Word document. As a tech-avoidant but somewhat capable user myself, to walk a retired digital newcomer verbally though this very simple process was eye-opening in terms of my own knowledge and patience, and my own digital know-how in working with others. Needless to say, I have a lot of learning still to do in all three areas.

CAGP’s 27th Conference on Strategic Philanthropy, which took place April 14-16, 2021, tackled some big themes, none more so than the rallying cry to ‘reimagine the future of philanthropy’. These messages deeply resonated with conference attendees, so much so that we were asked to make some of the information available publicly so that attendees could share the words with their leadership and board members. Today we are pleased to do so.

The federal government launched its 2021 pre-budget consultations in January, providing an opportunity for experts and interested parties to share ideas about how the 2021 Budget can support Canadians through the pandemic and help the country “build back better”.

CAGP typically makes a submission to pre-budget consultations, sharing our views on how philanthropy can be strengthened through enhanced strategic giving vehicles, and with new or improved tax policy to incentivize and amplify charitable giving. Our Government Relations Committee deliberated on the matter, giving particular consideration to our current social and economic context.