Recent changes to Ontario's Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) have altered the rules for proxy voting in non-profit and charitable organizations located in Ontario.

Previously, the right to use proxies was automatic for members, but now, it is only permitted if explicitly stated in an organization's articles or by-laws.

This discussion outlines what a proxy is, the potential benefits and drawbacks of allowing them, and highlights that virtual meetings offer an alternative.

Canadian nonprofits that continue to use proxies must adhere to specific requirements for proxy forms to ensure legal compliance.

If you are looking to register a nonprofit or charity and need assistance with ensuring you, as the founder, retain control, call us at 416-488-5888 or email at ask@charitylawgroup.ca, and our experienced charity lawyers can assist with bylaw and related resolutions formation and revisions, giving you absolute control.

This episode is jointly sponsored by B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation, a Charity Law Firm exclusively serving charity and not-for-profit clients in Toronto, Ontario and across Canada with registration and governance, and B&H Charity Accounts Group, a bookkeeping firm serving Canadian charities in Ontario with all their financial and tax filing needs. Hat tip to our friends at OrgHub.ca, a new, innovative software platform that provides not-for-profits and charities across Canada with a solid foundation for incorporation and streamlined corporate governance.

https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/
P: 416-488-5888

https://www.charityaccountingfirm.ca/
P: 289-301-8883

This episode explains challenges to founder control in standard non-profit structures where all members typically have voting rights.

It then presents two main solutions involving different membership classes to mitigate this challenge.

The first solution proposes a structure where only board members are voting members, ensuring they control board appointments. The second involves multiple classes of members.

These strategies enable founders to maintain influence over the non-profit's direction and board composition without worry of losing control of the nonprofit or charity.

If you are looking to register a nonprofit or charity and need assistance with ensuring you, as the founder, retain control, call us at 416-488-5888 or by email ask@charitylawgroup.ca, and our experienced charity lawyers can assist with bylaw and related resolutions formation and revisions, giving you absolute control.

This episode is jointly sponsored by B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation, a Charity Law Firm exclusively serving charity and not-for-profit clients in Toronto, Ontario and across Canada with registration and governance, and B&H Charity Accounts Group, a bookkeeping firm serving Canadian charities in Ontario with all their financial and tax filing needs. Hat tip to our friends at OrgHub.ca, a new, innovative software platform that provides not-for-profits and charities across Canada with a solid foundation for incorporation and streamlined corporate governance.

https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/
P: 416-488-5888

https://www.charityaccountingfirm.ca/
P: 289-301-8883

This episode explains how to start a non-profit society specifically in British Columbia, offering a step-by-step process for incorporation.

It highlights key stages such as building a core team, choosing a name, defining the society's purpose, and crafting bylaws.

The discussion also touches upon filing for incorporation, opening a bank account, and the separate process of obtaining charitable tax status.

Finally, it includes important considerations for long-term success and directs listeners to resources for further assistance and related topics in charity law.

This episode is jointly sponsored by B.I.G. Charity Law Group Professional Corporation, a Charity Law Firm exclusively serving charity and not-for-profit clients in Toronto, Ontario and across Canada with registration and governance, and B&H Charity Accounts Group, a bookkeeping firm serving Canadian charities in Ontario with all their financial and tax filing needs. Hat tip to our friends at OrgHub.ca, a new, innovative software platform that provides not-for-profits and charities across Canada with a solid foundation for incorporation and streamlined corporate governance.

https://www.charitylawgroup.ca/
P: 416-488-5888

https://www.charityaccountingfirm.ca/
P: 289-301-8883