Part 1- Interpretation Part 2- Membership Part 3- Meeting of Members Part 4- Proceedings at General Meetings Part 5- Conflict of Interest Policy The bylaws of the society are those set out in Schedule B to the Society Act.

Part 1 – Interpretation

1 (1)  In these bylaws, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. “directors” means the directors of the society for the time being
2. “Society Act” means the Society Act of British Columbia from time to time in force and all amendments to it
3. “registered address” of a member means the member’s address as recorded in the register of members.

1 (2)  The definitions in the Society Act on the date these bylaws become effective apply to these bylaws.

3  Words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa, and words importing a male person include a female person and a corporation.

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Part 2 – Membership

3   The members of the society are the applicants for incorporation of the society, and those persons who subsequently become members, in accordance with these bylaws and, in either case, have not ceased to be members.

4   A person may apply to the directors for membership in the society and on acceptance by the directors is a member.

5   Every member must uphold the constitution and comply with these bylaws.

6   The amount of the first annual membership dues must be determined by the directors and after that the annual membership dues must be determined at the annual general meeting of the society.

7.   A person ceases to be a member of the society

1. by delivering his or her resignation in writing to the secretary of the society or by mailing or delivering it to the address of the society,
2. on his or her death or, in the case of a corporation, on dissolution,
3. on being expelled, or
4. on having been a member not in good standing for 12 consecutive months.

8(1)  A member may be expelled by a special resolution of the members passed at a general meeting.

8(2)  The notice of special resolution for expulsion must be accompanied by a brief statement of the reasons for the proposed expulsion.

8(3)  The person who is the subject of the proposed resolution for expulsion must be given an opportunity to be heard at the general meeting before the special resolution is put to a vote.

9  All members are in good standing except a member who has failed to pay his or her current annual membership fee, or any other subscription or debt due and owing by the member to the society, and the member is not in good standing so long as the debt remains unpaid.

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Part 3 – Meetings of Members

10  General meetings of the society must be held at the time and place, in accordance with the Society Act, that the directors decide.

11  Every general meeting, other than an annual general meeting, is an extraordinary general meeting.

12  The directors may, when they think fit, convene an extraordinary general meeting.

13(1)  Notice of a general meeting must specify the place, day and hour of the meeting, and, in case of special business, the general nature of that business.

13(2)  The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to, or the non-receipt of a notice by, any of the members entitled to receive notice does not invalidate proceedings at that meeting.

14  The first annual general meeting of the society must be held not more than 15 months after the date of incorporation and after that an annual general meeting must be held at least once in every calendar year and not more than 15 months after the holding of the last preceding annual general meeting.

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Part 4 – Proceedings at General Meetings 15  Special business is all business at an extraordinary general meeting except the adoption of rules of order, and (b) all business conducted at an annual general meeting, except the following: the adoption of rules of order; the consideration of the financial statements; the report of the directors; the report of the auditor, if any; the election of directors; the appointment of the auditor, if required; the other business that, under these bylaws, ought to be conducted at an annual general meeting, or business that is brought under consideration by the report of the directors issued with the notice convening the meeting. 16(1)  Business, other than the election of a chair and the adjournment or termination Top of page

Part 5 - Conflict of Interest Policy

Policy
All board members and volunteers are prohibited from creating or becoming involved in a situation which gives rise or may reasonably be perceived as giving rise to a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest occurs where a board member/volunteer has a personal interest, whether of a financial or any other nature, which influences or may influence the exercise of his or her duties or responsibilities as a board member/volunteer of the society.

A personal interest can include the interest of a family member or another person in whom the employee has an interest or holds a position.

A conflict of interest can also arise where an employee, because of knowledge, responsibilities, or authority associated with his or her position with the society, gains a benefit or is perceived as gaining a benefit (directly or indirectly) to himself or herself personally or for a family member or other person in which the board member/volunteer has an interest.

Responsibilities
The Secretary-Treasurer is responsible for the administration and interpretation of this policy. She is also responsible for providing each board member/volunteer with a copy of this policy and any other supplemental policies.

Board members/volunteers must familiarize themselves with this policy and request clarification, if required, from the Volunteer Coordinator. Where a board member/volunteer is uncertain as to a possible conflict of interest, he/she should discuss the matter with the Volunteer Coordinator who in turn should notify the Secretary-Treasurer who shall advise as to the correct approach.

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