British Columbia's New Societies Act Came into Effect Today

The Societies Act came into effect today, November 28, 2016. The new legislation has made significant changes to the governance of non-profit societies incorporated in British Columbia It replaces the Society Act (the "Old Act"), which is now repealed.

Over the next two years, societies are required to transition to the new Act. This will involve filing a non-profit society's constitution and consolidated bylaws. The constitution will now only include the society's name and purposes. Other provisions that used to be common in constitutions under the Old Act, such as provisions requiring that a society's assets be distributed to a charitable organization if the society is wound up, will be moved to the bylaws.

The Province of British Columbia has published a helpful guide to the transitions available here.