Starting today and until mid-October, non-profit organizations in British Columbia will have the chance to weigh in on revisions being proposed to the legislation that governs them.

Finance Minister Michael de Jong is inviting British Columbia’s 27,000 non-profit societies to provide feedback and submit ideas on a new White Paper representing the next phase of the Society Act review. The White Paper includes draft legislation and provides an opportunity for societies to see what new legislation may look like and to contribute their suggestions before final legislation is developed.

The Ministry of Finance review began in 2009 when it was identified that the current Society Act required modernization. A Discussion Paper inviting comment on specific proposals for reform followed in 2011. This White Paper represents the next stage in the consultation process, reflecting feedback previously received.

For example, in earlier consultations, stakeholders requested the new act be kept simple and straightforward so it could be effectively used by all participants in the non-profit sector, including those without access to legal counsel. The proposed legislation in the White Paper has been drafted with those concerns in mind.

Input will be gathered until the consultation process ends on Oct. 15, 2014. Submissions will be received through the web, by email and/or mail.

Quote:

Michael de Jong, Minister of Finance -

“The Society Act directly affects approximately 27,000 diverse non-profit societies in the province — organizations that provide valuable services to British Columbians — and through this consultation process, we want to hear from as many of them as possible.”

Learn More:

For information on the Society Act White Paper consultation: http://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/pld/fcsp/society_act_discussion.htm

For general information on societies in British Columbia: http://www.bcregistryservices.gov.bc.ca/bcreg/corppg/societies/faq.page

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Finance
250 387-1248