Suspension of BCA, Companies and Societies Deadlines

On April 9, 2020, the Minister of Service Alberta issued Ministerial Order SA: 009/2020 which, among other things, suspended requirements for certain matters relating to corporations, companies (under the Companies Act), societies, cooperatives and condominiums.

  1. Suspension of the requirement to hold annual general meetings for corporations, companies, societies, cooperatives, and condominiums. While not required, these entities can still hold an AGM if they’d like to do so by virtual means.
  2. Suspension of any in-person meeting requirements for corporations, companies, societies, cooperatives, and condominiums. The Companies Act has also been modified to allow for virtual meetings.
  3. Suspension of annual return deadlines for corporations, companies (under the Companies Act), partnerships and societies.
  4. Suspension of any right to access physical documents at the business offices of corporations, companies, and societies. Documents may still be requested, so long as the document can be provided to the requesting party without in-person contact.

The Order overrides anything in an organization’s articles, bylaws, rules, or memorandum. The effects of this Order will last for the duration of the public health state of emergency (unless it is terminated earlier by the Minister of Lt. Governor). Any time during these suspensions will not be counted.

For a summary of the main points of the Order, please click here for the Service Alberta publication. If you have any questions about your business during these uncertain times, the McLennan Ross Corporate Commercial Securities group would be happy to help. We would also like to direct you to our Small Business Guide.