A Temporary Change to Emergency Program Act to Allow for Electronic AGM's
To support BC companies, societies and co-operatives through the COVID-19 pandemic, electronic meetings will be allowed during the Province’s State of Emergency.
Under the Emergency Program Act, the order helps corporations hold annual or special general meetings, in accordance with the provincial health officer’s order against gatherings of more than 50 people.
The order will also override requirements under the Business Corporations Act, Societies Act and Cooperative Association Act that prohibit electronic meetings, including a corporation’s own articles, bylaws or rules.
In addition to electronic meetings, all corporations will be able to hold hybrid meetings, giving people the option to participate in person or electronically.
Each company, society and co-operative should consider which meeting method best suits its needs, such as Zoom, Skype or telephone conference calls, as long as each participant is able to communicate and vote, if needed.
If an online meeting platform is chosen, organizers should consider providing a telephone option for people without access to a computer.
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