Forming a non-profit corporation is not the same thing as having charitable status. A non-profit organization is not automatically or necessarily a charity. In fact, most non-profit organizations are incorporated but are not registered as charities.

Non-profit incorporation is a separate process from applying for charitable status. Non-profits can incorporate federally or provincially, and might choose either of these options depending on a variety of factors.

Registering as a charity is separate process from nonprofit incorporation and is administered federally by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)