When a Society may properly fine its members was raised before the Civil Resolution Tribunal, in the context of a rental pool arrangement and compulsory society membership in Whistler, BC. The case is Tam v. Evolution Owners’ Association et al, 2019 BCCRT 830 (CanLII).
Category: The Act
All information related to the new BC Societies Act, its provisions, and their interpretation.
New Miscellaneous Amendments in Force
Minor clean-up of the Societies Act continues. Sections 18 to 20 and 22 to 26 of the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2018, c. 23 (Bill 24) are in force October 1, 2018 (BC Reg 192/2018), and the Societies Transitional Interim Regulation (BC Reg 99/2016) is repealed.
Three member discipline “don’ts”
Disciplining members is frequently done incorrectly. It is often arbitrary, quick, and without a fair process. This leaves the action, however valid, vulnerable to challenge. This post clarifies three “don’ts” of member discipline and expulsion.
Can my society have alternate directors?
Can my society have “alternate directors” — individuals who exercise the powers of an absent director? Can directors vote by proxy? What are the limits in general corporate law applicable to societies in this situation?
When does a volunteer need a work permit?
When can visitors to Canada assist Canadian non-profits in a volunteer capacity? Can a charitable or religious worker obtain a work permit, and if so, must they be paid? This post describes some of the common issues faced by non-profits and volunteers.
Case Comment: White Rock Harbour Board
A recent decision of the BC Supreme Court may set a precedent that rules and other documents incorporated by bylaw may be enforced as bylaws, when certain circumstances are met. It is also one of the first reported cases to establish oppression under the new Societies Act.
Incoming Changes to Societies Act: Miscellaneous Amendments
The BC government has passed the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (No. 2), 2018, S.B.C. 2018, c. 23 (Bill 24), which provides additional clarity around higher-threshold special resolutions, auditors, and record production.
Societies and the Civil Resolution Tribunal
The BC Government has passed legislation which will change how society disputes are handled. All societies, members, and non-profit partners should be aware of these changes.
Can you draft your members out of an “oppression” remedy?
Under the new Societies Act, members may bring a claim against a society for unfairly prejudicial or oppressive conduct on the part of the society, its directors, or its members. I’ve often been asked whether you can contract out of this right by having members waive it in advance or in restricting it in your bylaws, or whether an automatic termination provision can be used to expel a member who brings such legal proceedings.
Case Comment: George v BC Wildlife Federation
The BC Supreme Court has clarified when a suspension of a society’s director is not a removal, and provided an example of when director discipline may occur without the court’s intervention under the provisions of the Society Act, R.S.B.C 1996, c. 433 (the “Act”).