Electronic Meetings and Your Organization

Electronic meetings (entirely virtual or partially virtual) have become increasingly popular over the last decade, with a sharp increase in use in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. More organizations are relying on new virtual technologies to ensure their meetings run smoothly and efficiently.

The B.C. government enabled companies, cooperative associations and societies to conduct meetings electronically during the COVID-19 provincial state of emergency regardless of their articles, rules or bylaws. The Business Corporations Act, Cooperative Association Act and the Societies Act have been amended to ensure that the statutes do not unintentionally limit the use of electronic meetings. 

With the end of the state of emergency, companies, cooperative associations and societies must consult their articles, rules or bylaws to determine if in-person meetings are required .

NOTE: Certain words in the corporation’s articles, rules or bylaws could be interpreted by a court or tribunal as prohibiting electronic meetings. For example, “meeting place”, “persons being present” and “voting by show of hands” were considered by the Supreme Court of BC to prohibit electronic meetings. Companies, cooperatives, and societies are advised to review their articles, rules or bylaws, to make sure their articles, rules or bylaws do not inadvertently prohibit their preferred method(s) of meeting.

This information is a guide for you to successfully use electronic meetings to provide your organization the best experience possible.

Resources:

Tips for a Successful Electronic Meeting

Business Corporations Act Specific Information

Cooperative Associations Act Specific Information

Societies Act Specific Information