Food Banks of Saskatchewan loses charity status, director points to accounting error

The Food Banks of Saskatchewan, which supports multiple food banks across the province, recently lost its charitable status due to an accounting error, according to the organization's executive director, Michael Kincade. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) revoked the charity's registration on September 12, 2026, for failing to submit its annual return, as confirmed by the agency in a statement to Global News.

Kincade revealed that the accounting firm, despite having completed and signed the required paperwork, never submitted it to the CRA. The mistake went unnoticed until February when the CRA informed the organization about the missing return. Kincade expressed his trust in the accounting firm and stated that they had assured him the submission would be handled.

However, in September, they received the revocation notice. The CRA clarified that organizations with a revoked status can continue their operations but can no longer issue donation receipts or accept gifts from registered charities. Kincade emphasized that Food Banks of Saskatchewan did everything it was supposed to do and even conducted follow-ups, indicating that the error was not their fault.

The organization is currently working to regain its charity status, having filed all required documents. Kincade is concerned about the impact on the organization as they prepare for their busiest time of the year. Member food banks, however, retain their own charitable status and remain unaffected. The accounting firm has accepted responsibility for the error and will cover any penalties.

Kincade declined to disclose the name of the firm or share related documents but confirmed that Food Banks of Saskatchewan does not plan to change accountants.