BC Societies Act Received Royal Assent

On May 14, 2015, the BC Societies Act (the “Act”) received Royal Assent. Once in force, the Act will
replace the current Society Act, enacted in 1977, which governs approximately 27,000 societies. This
modernization of the incorporation and governance framework for non-profit corporations corresponds
with recent modernization brought by the federal Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act and the Ontario
Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010, which the sector is still waiting to be proclaimed.
The Act contains new measures including distinguishing “member funded” societies from societies that
are funded by public donations or government, which will influence public disclosure requirements and
governance restrictions; imposing duties and rules on senior managers; requiring a “member proposal” be
added to the agenda of a members’ meeting if the proposal is signed by 5% or more of the society’s voting members; and implementing a new online filing system for incorporation, bylaw changes, and other filings at the corporate registry.
Once the Act is proclaimed, a pre-existing society must transition under the Act within two years by filing a constitution, by-laws (consolidated into a single set of bylaws) and a statement of directors and registered office of the society. Notice of enabling regulations and a timetable for implementation of the Act is pending.