OTTAWA, Ontario – The Canadian Not for Profit Act is now in force with all Canadian Not for Profit Corporations required to transition to the new act by no later than October 17, 2014. The DRC has completed the process of conforming to the new law which impacts both its By-Laws and its operating rules.
The intent of the new legislation is to create:
- A clear set of rules that govern the internal affairs of federal not-for-profit corporations
- Less red tape with simplified processes
- More flexibility to make fundamental changes, such as amalgamations, that were not permitted under the old Act
- A more objective standard for directors in carrying out their duties and responsibilities that will reassure individuals who decide to be on a board of directors
The changes for the most part are organizational in nature and are concentrated on the new By-law and Part 1 of the new Operating Rules. Generally speaking, the By-laws focus on core matters such as governance, membership requirements, and outline those items requiring a special resolution by the membership to amend. Part 1 of the new Operating rules contains the administrative provisions formerly contained in the DRC By-laws. In short, the information has been re-prioritized and organized to meet the requirements of the new Act.
Members will also note that our other rules and trading standards are also now part of the Operating Rules supporting the By-law. They will be organized as follows:
Operating Rules:
Part 1 – Administrative Procedures
Part 2 – Security
Part 3 – Privacy Policy
Part 4 – Trading Standards and related guidelines
Part 5 – Transportation Standards
Part 6 – Mediation and Arbitration Rules
DRC’s President and CEO Fred Webber states, “That while the Trading Standards and other rules remain largely unchanged, formatting and page numbers have been changed to accommodate inclusion in the Operating Rules. These changes are now in effect and while they are posted on the DRC website, you should always contact us for the most current version of all DRC reference materials.”
About the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC)
DRC is a non-profit, membership-based organization providing education, consultation, mediation, and arbitration to the produce trade. DRC works closely with industry associations and governments on behalf of members to reform legislation, make federal inspections more accessible, develop best practices, and level the playing field for participants. Governed by a Board of Directors, DRC members represent all facets of the produce industry as well as the transportation industry dealing in fresh fruit and vegetables. Canadian buyers who are DRC members are exempt from a federal produce license. For more information about DRC please visit FVDRC.com.
Source: Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC)
