In Ontario, the Public Guardian and Trustee is responsible for the use of charitable property.

The Public Guardian and Trustee works with charities to help them deal with the problems (i.e., improper investments, improper use of donated property) they encounter. The Public Guardian and Trustee can also inquire into complaints about charities and can protect the public's interest in how charities raise and use their money.

If necessary, the Public Guardian and Trustee can apply to court to prevent those who run a charity from using the assets of the charity improperly.

How to get more information on charities

The Public Guardian and Trustee has also published a number of information bulletins for people who use, run, or donate to charities.

Bulletins

• Bulletin # 1 - A Guide to Information for Charities
• Bulletin # 2 - Incorporating a Charity Using Pre-Approved Objects
• Bulletin # 3 - Duties, Responsibilities and Powers of Directors and Trustees of Charities
• Bulletin # 4 - Complaining About Charities
• Bulletin # 5 - Tips for Donors on Charitable Giving
• Bulletin # 6 - Red tape cut by new regulation under the Charities Accounting Act
• Bulletin # 7 - Investments by Directors and Trustees of Charities
• Bulletin # 8 - Information from the Public Guardian and Trustee's Charitable Property Program