British Columbia’s new Societies Act (the “new Act”), which replaces the previous Society Act (the “old Act”), was passed on May 14, 2015, and recently came into force on November 28, 2016. Societies incorporated in British Columbia will have two years from November 28, 2016 to transition to the new Act.

For more information on the new Act and changes, please visit the BC Registry’s website – http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/not-for-profit-organizations/societies-act-transition.

The BC Registry also published various resources online, including the following:

Overview of changes between the new and old Acts – http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/employment-business-and-economic-development/business-management/permits-licences-and-registration/corporations/societies/new_societies_act_-_impact_on_pre-existing_societies.pdf;

Comparison of the new Act to the old Act – http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/employment-business-and-economic-development/business-management/permits-licences-and-registration/corporations/societies/comparison_table_new_societies_act_and_current_society_act.pdf and old Act to the new Act – http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/employment-business-and-economic-development/business-management/permits-licences-and-registration/corporations/societies/comparison_table_current_society_act_and_new_societies_act.pdf;

A transition guide – http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/employment-business-and-economic-development/business-management/permits-licences-and-registration/corporations/societies/societies_act_transition_guide.pdf;

A filing guide for online transitions – http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/employment-business-and-economic-development/business-management/permits-licences-and-registration/corporations/societies/guides/how_to_file_a_transition_application_dec23.pdf; and

FAQs – http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/employment-business-and-economic-development/business-management/permits-licences-and-registration/corporations/societies/faqs_new_societies_act_transition.pdf;