Atkinson Charitable Foundation
From Wikiprogress.org
Atkinson Charitable Foundation
The Atkinson Charitable Foundation is a private, Canadian foundation established in 1942 by Joseph E Atkinson by letters patent of the Province of Ontario.
Mr. Atkinson's intent for the Foundation, as owner of The Toronto Star, was to have all of the profits from the Toronto Star Newspaper go to charity. However the government of the day, not overly content with Mr. Atkinson's radical views, passed legislation (The Ontario Charitable Donations Act) stating that a charity could not own more than 10th of a business. Thus the Star was sold to the families that currently control Torstar.
The Foundation was, and continues to be, conducted and administered as a completely independent private family foundation separate from The Toronto Star. Its actions are subject to the scrutiny of the Public Trustee of Ontario and the tax operation and distribution of revenue are published annually according to Revenue Canada regulation.
In the categories of health, social welfare, economic justice, education and culture the Foundation has given more than $55 million since its inception.
Mr. Atkinson believed that the foundation should take more interest in the "architecture of ideas than in the architecture of buildings and laboratories" (ACF Annual Report 1955, The First Five Years).
Mission and Principles
The editorial principles Atkinson espoused were founded on his belief that a progressive newspaper should contribute to the advancement of society through pursuit of social, economic and political reforms. He was particularly concerned about injustice, be it social, economic, political, legal or racial. Fundamental to his philosophy was the belief that the state has the right and duty to act when private initiative fails. While Atkinson's beliefs were never codified in any set form, the central Principles can be summarized as follows:
- A strong, united and independent Canada: Atkinson argued for a strong central government and the development of distinctive social, economic and cultural policies appropriate to an independent country.
- Social Justice: Atkinson was relentless in pressing for social and economic programs to help those less advantaged and showed particular concern for the least advantaged among us.
- Individual and Civil Liberties: Atkinson always pressed for equal treatment of all citizens under the law, particularly minorities, and was dedicated to the fundamental freedoms of belief, thought, opinion and expression and the freedom of press.
- Community and Civic Engagement: Atkinson continually advocated the importance of proper city planning, the development of strong communities with their vibrant local fabrics and the active involvement of citizens in civic affairs.
- The Rights of Working People: The Star was born out of a strike in 1892 and Atkinson was committed to the rights of working people including freedom of association and the safety and dignity of the workplace.
- The Necessary Role of Government: When Atkinson believed the public need was not met by the private sector and market forces alone, he argued strongly for government intervention.
