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?
Category: Charities and Non-Profits
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.
Charitable Donation of Food
I have heard rumours that it is “illegal” or “unlawful” to donate groceries or food that is beyond a best-buy date, or that there is a liability concern. This is incorrect.
The Basics of Special Resolutions
AGM Season is upon us, and I thought it wise to remind BC societies of the basics of the “Special Resolution”, the super-majority necessary at a meeting of the members to pass fundamental changes to the constitution or bylaws of a society, and to make other major changes as well.
When are my “previously unalterables” still unalterable?
I’m asked a lot about the “previously unalterable” provisions: those sections of a society’s constitution which must be moved into the bylaws and may be altered by a special resolution of the membership after the society transitions. But some societies are not at liberty to change these, at least not without ministerial permission. Others may put their funding or charitable status at risk if they modernize their bylaws.
Alexander Holburn: Societies Transition Newsletter
Alexander Holburn, a Vancouver law firm, has published a transition newsletter highlighting the process.