Important Note: On May 14, 2015, Bill 24, the new Societies Act received Royal Assent in the BC legislature. It replaces the current Society Act, which contains the rules for creating and governing societies in BC. The new Societies Act will come into force November 28, 2016. From that date, pre-existing societies will have a two-year transition period to come into compliance with the new act.

Read more about the changes here from BC Registry Services, including their New Societies Act Transition Guide (April 2016).

This page will be updated with new information and resources as new information arises. See also the "Legal Pitfall Series" from Non Profit Charities Legal Outreach, workshops on the changes to the Society Act. 

A society is usually incorporated by a group of people who wish to assist others or engage in non-profit group activities. In other words, its activities are directed outward and are not aimed at making money for its members.

Good starting points include:

• Incorporating a Society in British Columbia, from BC Registry Services, explains the legal requirements for incorporating as a society.
• Maintaining Your BC Society, also from BC Registry Services, explains the legal requirements for maintaining your society once you have set it up.

See our related common questions:

• See all common questions about business & non-profits

tags

non-profits, non-profit society, forming a non-profit society, registering a non-profit, incorporation, not-for-profit, society act, societies act, canada corporations act