Find out about sample bylaws for the new Societies Act

There are many things that the new Societies Act allows you to do only if your bylaws permit them. We've created sample bylaw sets so that you can adopt bylaws that align with the new Act.

If you want to adopt our sample bylaws, you have options to choose from. There are no model bylaws in the new Act.

Bylaws for Class A or B societies

Most societies are either Class A or Class B societies under the new Act, depending on their annual revenues and assets. You can find out about the new classes of societies here.

Option 1: Adopt a set of bylaws with best-practices 

• Class A or Class B society best-practice bylaws;
• Class A or Class B society best-practice bylaws with comments - this document references different parts of the Act.

Option 2: Select options from a set of basic bylaws

• Class A or Class B society basic bylaws
• Class A or Class B society basic bylaws with comments - this document tells you which bylaws are required by the new Act, and which ones are optional. 

If you would like a word document version of these bylaws, email societies@yukon.ca or call 332-7950. 

Bylaws for member-funded societies

If you are incorporating as a member-funded society or converting to one, you can adopt sample bylaws for member-funded societies.

• Member-funded society sample bylaws

Please note that being a member-funded society means that you cannot receive public donations or government funding, and you cannot be a registered charity. Find out more about member-funded societies.

What to do if you're updating your bylaws

If you choose to update your bylaws as part of this process, you can either: 

1. Adopt the sample bylaws above; or
2. Create custom bylaws. However, bylaws must comply with the new Act and also cannot violate other legislation, such as the human rights legislation, the Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, and other statute and case law.

We do not review your bylaws to ensure compliance with the Act.

Update your bylaws:

1. Choose how you want to amend your bylaws.
2. Send your members a written copy of your amended bylaws and notice of the special meeting with the amount of notice specified in your existing bylaws.
3. Pass a special resolution at an AGM, a special general meeting, or in writing.
4. File your new bylaws with the registrar. 

Find out more about how to change your bylaws.