BY-LAWS
The Oskar Halecki Institute of History, Arts and Sciences in Canada
(Oskar Halecki Institute)
(the „Corporation”)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 – General
Section 2 – Membership – Matters Requiring Special Resolution
Section 3 – Membership Dues, Termination and Discipline
Section 4 – Meeting of Members
Section 5 – Directors and Meetings of Directors
Section 6 – Officers
Section 7 – Notices
Section 8 – Dispute Resolution
Section 9 – Effective Date
BE IT ENACTED as by-laws of the Corporation, unless the context otherwise requires:
„Act” means the Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act S.C.2009, c.23 including the Regulations made pursuant to the Act, and any statute or regulations that may be substituted, as amended from time to time.
Section 1 – General
1.01 Definitions
In this by-law and all other by-laws of the Corporation, unless the context otherwise requires:
- „articles” means the original or restated articles of incorporation or articles of amendment, amalgamation, continuance, reorganization, arrangement or revival of the Corporation;
- „board” means the board of directors of the Corporation and „director” means a member of the board;
- „by-law” means this by-law and any other by-law of the Corporation as amended and which are, from time to time, in force and effect;
- „meeting of members” includes an annual meeting of members or a special meeting of members; „special meeting of members” includes a meeting of any class or classes of members and a special meeting of all members entitled to vote at an annual meeting of members;
- „ordinary resolution” means a resolution passed by a majority of not less than 50% plus 1 of the votes cast on that resolution;
- „proposal” means a proposal submitted by a member of the Corporation that meets the requirements of section 163 (Member Proposals) of the Act;
- „regulations” means the regulations made under the Act, as amended, restated or in effect from time to time; and
- „special resolution” means a resolution passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast on that resolution.
1.02 Interpretation
In the interpretation of this by-law, words in the singular include the plural and vice-versa, words in one gender include all genders, and „person” includes an individual, body corporate, partnership, trust and unincorporated organization.
Other than as specified above, words and expressions defined in the Act have the same meanings when used in these by-laws.
1.03 Corporate Seal
The Corporation may have a corporate seal in the form approved from time to time by the board. If a corporate seal is approved by the board, the secretary of the Corporation shall be the custodian of the corporate seal.
1. 04 Execution of Documents
Deeds, transfers, assignments, contracts, obligations and other instruments in writing requiring execution by the Corporation may be signed by any two (2) of its officers or directors. In addition, the board may from time to time direct the manner in which and the person or persons by whom a particular document or type of document shall be executed. Any person authorized to sign any document may affix the corporate seal (if any) to the document. Any signing officer may certify a copy of any instrument, resolution, by-law or other document of the Corporation to be a true copy thereof.
1.05 Financial Year
The financial year end of the Corporation shall be December 31 in each year.
1.06 Banking Arrangements
The banking business of the Corporation shall be transacted at such bank, trust company or other firm or corporation carrying on a banking business in Canada or elsewhere as the board of directors may designate, appoint or authorize from time to time by resolution. The banking business or any part of it shall be transacted by an officer or officers of the Corporation and/or other persons as the board of directors may by resolution from time to time designate, direct or authorize.
1.07 Borrowing Powers
The directors of the Corporation may, without authorization of the members, borrow money on the credit of the corporation; issue, reissue, sell, pledge or hypothecate debt obligations of the corporation;
1.08. Annual Financial Statements
The Corporation may, instead of sending copies of the annual financial statements and other documents referred to in subsection 172(1) (Annual Financial Statements) of the Act to the members, publish a notice to its members stating that the annual financial statements and documents provided in subsection 172(1) are available at the registered office of the Corporation and any member may, on request, obtain a copy free of charge at the registered office, by prepaid mail, or by electronic means.
Section 2 – Memberships – Matters Requiring Special Resolution
2.01 Membership Conditions
Subject to the articles, there shall be two classes of members in the Corporation, namely, Class A members with full University education and Class B members without full University education. The board of directors of the Corporation may, by resolution, approve the admission of the members of the Corporation. Members may also be admitted in such other manner as may be prescribed by the board by resolution. The following conditions of membership shall apply:
Class A Members
- Class A voting membership shall be available to persons who have applied and have been accepted for Class A voting membership in the Corporation.
- The term of membership of a Class A voting member shall be annual, subject to renewal in accordance with the policies of the Corporation.
- As set out in the articles, each Class A voting member is entitled to receive notice of, attend and vote at all meetings of members and each such Class A voting member shall be entitled to one (1) vote at such meetings.
Class B Members
- Class B voting membership shall be available to persons who have applied and have been accepted for Class B voting membership in the Corporation.
- The term of membership of a Class B voting member shall be annual, subject to renewal in accordance with the policies of the Corporation.
- Subject to the Act and the articles, a Class B voting member shall be entitled to receive notice of, attend and vote at meetings of the members of the Corporation and each such Class B voting member shall be entitled to one (1) vote at such meetings. Only Class B voting members, who made a significant contribution to the Corporation, can be elected as Directors of the Corporation. The candidate shall be approved by the Annual Member’s Meeting.
The corporation may establish branches in localities other than Ottawa. Branches may have independent financial and organizational status, as well as By-Laws, and become incorporated as separate legal entitles, while maintaining their affiliation to the Corporation or may be fully integrated with the Corporation.
Pursuant to subsection 197(1) (Fundamental Change) of the Act, a special resolution of the members is required to make any amendments to this section of the by-laws if those amendments affect membership rights and/or conditions described in paragraphs 197(1)(e), (h), (l) or (m).
2.02 Membership Transferability
A membership may only be transferred to the Corporation. Pursuant to Section 197(1) (Fundamental Change) of the Act, a special resolution of the members is required to make any amendment to add, change or delete this section of the by-laws.
2.03 Notice of Members Meeting
Notice of the time and place of a meeting of members shall be given to each member entitled to vote at the meeting by telephonic, electronic or other communication facility, during a period of 21 days before the day on which the meeting is to be held. If a member requests that the notice be given by non-electronic means, the notice will be sent by mail, courier or personal delivery.
Pursuant to subsection 197(1) (Fundamental Change) of the Act, a special resolution of the members is required to make any amendment to the by-laws of the Corporation to change the manner of giving notice to members entitled to vote at a meeting of members.
2.04 Members Calling a Members’ Meeting
The board of directors shall call a special meeting of members in accordance with Section 167 of the Act, on written requisition of members carrying not less than 10% of the voting rights. If the directors do not call a meeting within twenty-one (21) days of receiving the requisition, any member who signed the requisition may call the meeting.
2.05 Absentee Voting at Members’ Meetings
Pursuant to Section 171(1) of the Act, a member entitled to vote at a meeting of members may vote by proxy by appointing in writing a proxyholder, and one or more alternate proxyholders, who are not required to be members, to attend and act at the meeting in the manner and to the extent authorized by the proxy and with the authority conferred by it subject to the following requirements:
- a proxy is valid only at the meeting in respect of which it is given or at a continuation of that meeting after an adjournment;
- a member may revoke a proxy by depositing an instrument or act in writing executed or, in Quebec, signed by the member or by their agent or mandatary
- at the registered office of the corporation no later than the last business day preceding the day of the meeting, or the day of the continuation of that meeting after an adjournment of that meeting, at which the proxy is to be used, or
- with the chairperson of the meeting on the day of the meeting or the day of the continuation of that meeting after an adjournment of that meeting;
- a proxy holder or an alternate proxy holder has the same rights as the member by whom they were appointed, including the right to speak at a meeting of members in respect of any matter, to vote by way of ballot at the meeting, to demand a ballot at the meeting and, except where a proxyholder or an alternate proxyholder has conflicting instructions from more than one member, to vote at the meeting by way of a show of hands;
- a form of proxy may include a statement that, when the proxy is signed, the member confers authority with respect to matters how the proxy holder is to vote the membership in respect of each matter or group of related matters;
- if a form of proxy is sent in electronic form, the requirements that certain information be set out in bold-face type are satisfied if the information in question is set out in some other manner so as to draw the addressee’s attention to the information; and
- a form of proxy that, if signed, has the effect of conferring a discretionary authority in respect of amendments to matters identified in the notice of meeting or other matters that may properly come before the meeting must contain a specific statement to that effect.
- a member may revoke a proxy by depositing an instrument or act in writing executed or, in Quebec, signed by the member or by their agent or mandatary
Pursuant to Section 197(1) of the Act, a special resolution of the members (and if Section 199 applies, a special resolution of each class of members) is required to make any amendment to the articles or by-laws of the Corporation to change this method of voting by members not in attendance at a meeting of members.
Section 3 – Memberships – Dues, Termination and Discipline
3.01 Membership Dues
Members shall be notified in writing of the membership dues at any time payable by them and, if any are not paid within six (6) calendar month of the membership renewal date the members in default shall automatically cease to be members of the Corporation.
3.02 Termination of Membership
A membership in the Corporation is terminated when:
- the member dies or resigns;
b. the member is expelled or their membership is otherwise terminated in accordance with the articles or by-laws;
c. the member’s term of membership expires; or
d. the Corporation is liquidated and dissolved under the Act.
3.03 Effect of Termination of Membership
Subject to the articles, upon any termination of membership, the rights of the member, including any rights in the property of the Corporation, automatically cease to exist.
3.04 Discipline of Members
The board shall have authority to suspend or expel any member from the Corporation for any one or more of the following grounds:
a. violating any provision of the articles, by-laws, or written policies of the Corporation;
b. carrying out any conduct which may be detrimental to the Corporation as determined by the board in its sole discretion;
c. for any other reason that the board in its sole and absolute discretion considers to be reasonable, having regard to the purpose of the Corporation.
In the event that the board determines that a member should be expelled or suspended from membership in the Corporation, the president, or such other officer as may be designated by the board, shall provide twenty one (21) days notice of suspension or expulsion to the member and shall provide reasons for the proposed suspension or expulsion. The member may make written submissions to the president, or such other officer as may be designated by the board, in response to the notice received within thirty (30) day period from the date of receipt of the notice. In the event that no written submissions are received by the president, the president, or such other officer as may be designated by the board, may proceed to notify the member that the member is suspended or expelled from membership in the Corporation. If written submissions are received in accordance with this section, the board will consider such submissions in arriving at a final decision and shall notify the member concerning such final decision within a further twenty one (21) days from the date of receipt of the submissions. The board’s decision shall be final and binding on the member, without any further right of appeal.
Section 4 – Meetings of Members
4.01 Proposals Nominating Directors at Annual Members’ Meetings
Subject to the Regulations under the Act, any proposal may include nominations for the election of directors if the proposal is signed by not less than 5% of members entitled to vote at the meeting at which the proposal is to be presented.
4.02 Cost of Publishing Proposals for Annual Members’ Meetings
The member who submitted the proposal shall pay the cost of including the proposal and any statement in the notice of meeting at which the proposal is to be presented unless otherwise provided by ordinary resolution of the members present at the meeting.
4.03 Place of Members’ Meeting
Subject to compliance with section 159 (Place of Members’ Meetings) of the Act, meetings of the members may be held at any place within Canada determined by the board or, if majority of the members entitled to vote at such meeting so agree, outside Canada.
4.04 Persons Entitled to be Present at Members’ Meetings
Members, non-members, directors and the public accountant of the Corporation are entitled to be present at a meeting of members. However, only those members entitled to vote at the members’ meeting according to the provisions of the Act, articles and by-laws are entitled to cast a vote at the meeting.
4.05 Chair of Members’ Meetings
In the event that the chair of the board and the vice-chair of the board are absent, the members who are present and entitled to vote at the meeting shall choose one of their number to chair the meeting.
4.06 Quorum at Members’ Meetings
A quorum at any meeting of the members (unless a greater number of members are required to be present by the Act) shall be 20 percent of the members entitled to vote at the meeting. If a quorum is present at the opening of a meeting of members, the members present may proceed with the business of the meeting even if a quorum is not present throughout the meeting.
4.07 Votes to Govern at Members’ Meetings
At any meeting of members every question shall, unless otherwise provided by the articles or by-laws or by the Act, be determined by a majority of the votes cast on the questions. In case of an equality of votes either on a show of hands or on a ballot or on the results of electronic voting, the chair of the meeting in addition to an original vote shall have a second or casting vote.
4.08 Participation by Electronic Means at Members’ Meetings
If the Corporation chooses to make available a telephonic, electronic or other communication facility that permits all participants to communicate adequately with each other during a meeting of members, any person entitled to attend such meeting may participate in the meeting by means of such telephonic, electronic or other communication facility in the manner provided by the Act. A person participating in a meeting by such means is deemed to be present at the meeting. Notwithstanding any other provision of this by-law, any person participating in a meeting of members pursuant to this section who is entitled to vote at that meeting may vote, in accordance with the Act, by means of any telephonic, electronic or other communication facility that the Corporation has made available for that purpose.
4.09 Members’ Meeting Held Entirely by Electronic Means
Meetings of members may not be held entirely by telephonic, an electronic or other communication facility.
Section 5 – Directors and Meetings of Directors
5.01 Election of Directors
Subject to the articles, the members will elect the directors of the board, and separately the President, who will be also one of the directors, at the first meeting of members and at the each succeeding annual meeting at which the election of the directors is required.
5.02 Number of Directors
The board shall consist of the number of directors specified in the articles. If the articles provide for a minimum and maximum number of directors, the board shall be comprised of the fixed number of directors as determined from time to time by the members by ordinary resolution or, if the ordinary resolution empowers the directors to determine the number, by resolution of the board. In the case of a soliciting corporation the minimum number of directors may not be fewer than three (3), at least two of whom are not officers or employees of the Corporation or its affiliates. The directors may appoint one or more additional directors who shall hold office for a term expiring not later than close of next annual meeting of members, but the total of directors so appointed may not exceed one-third (1/3) of the number of directors elected at the previous annual general meeting of members.
5.03 Term of Office of Directors
The directors shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring not later than the close of the third annual meeting of members following the election.
5.04 Calling of Meetings of Board of Directors
Meetings of the board may be called by the chair of the board, the vice-chair of the board or any two (2) directors at any time. If the Corporation has only one director, that director may call and constitute a meeting.
5.05 Notice of Meeting of Board of Directors
Notice of the time and place for the holding of a meeting of the board shall be given in the manner provided in the section on giving notice of meeting of directors of this by-law to every director of the Corporation not less than 7 days before the time when the meeting is to be held. Notice of a meeting shall not be necessary if all of the directors are present, and none objects to the holding of the meeting, or if those absent have waived notice of or have otherwise signified their consent to the holding of such meeting. Notice of an adjourned meeting is not required if the time and place of the adjourned meeting is announced at the original meeting. Unless the by-law otherwise provides, no notice of meeting need specify the purpose or the business to be transacted at the meeting except that a notice of meeting of directors shall specify any matter referred to in subsection 138(2) (Limits on Authority) of the Act that is to be dealt with at the meeting.
5.06 Regular Meetings of the Board of Directors
The board may appoint a day or days in any month or months for regular meetings of the board at a place and hour to be named. A copy of any resolution of the board fixing the place and time of such regular meetings of the board shall be sent to each director forthwith after being passed, but no other notice shall be required for any such regular meeting except if subsection 136(3) (Notice of Meeting) of the Act requires the purpose thereof or the business to be transacted to be specified in the notice.
5.07 Votes to Govern at Meetings of the Board of Directors
At all meetings of the board, every question shall be decided by a majority of the votes cast on the question. In case of an equality of votes, the chair of the meeting in addition to an original vote shall have a second or casting vote.
5.08 Committees of the Board of Directors
The board of directors shall appoint the Advisory Council for 3-year term. It shall consist of maximum 9 members and shall be drawn from outstanding scientists representing different disciplines. The members of the Advisory Council may include foreign experts. The board shall appoint the Internal Audit Committee for 3 year term. The Internal Audit Committee shall consist of maximum 3 members who shall be approved by Annual Members Meeting. The board may from time to time appoint any committee or other advisory body, as it deems necessary or appropriate for such purposes and, subject to the Act, with such powers as the board shall see fit. Any such committee may formulate its own rules of procedure, subject to such regulations or directions as the board may from time to time make. Any Advisory Council or committee member may be removed by resolution of the board of directors with exception of a member of the Audit Committee. A member of the Audit Committee can be removed by the resolution of the Annual Members Meeting and based on the recommendation of the board of directors.
Section 6 – Officers
6.01 Appointment of Officers
The board may designate the offices of the Corporation, appoint officers on an annual or more frequent basis, specify their duties and, subject to the Act, delegate to such officers the power to manage the affairs of the Corporation with exception of the office of the president elected by Annual Members Meeting. A director may be appointed to any office of the Corporation. An officer may, but need not be, a director unless these by-laws otherwise provide. Two or more offices may be held by the same person.
6.02 Description of Offices
Unless otherwise specified by the board (which may, subject to the Act modify, restrict or supplement such duties and powers), the offices of the Corporation, if designated and if officers are appointed, shall have the following duties and powers associated with their positions:
a. Chair of the Board – The chair of the board, if one is to be appointed, shall be a director. The chair of the board, if any, shall, when present, preside at all meetings of the board of directors and of the members. The chair shall have such other duties and powers as the board may specify.
b. Vice-Chair of the Board – The vice-chair of the board, if one is to be appointed, shall be a director. If the chair of the board is absent or is unable or refuses to act, the vice-chair of the board, if any, shall, when present, preside at all meetings of the board of directors and of the members. The vice-chair shall have such other duties and powers as the board may specify.
c. President – If appointed, the president shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation and shall be responsible for implementing the strategic plans and policies of the Corporation. The president shall, subject to the authority of the board, have general supervision of the affairs of the Corporation. The president shall be elected by Annual Members Meeting.
d. Vice-President – if one is to be appointed, shall be a director. If the president is absent or unable or refuse to act, the Vice-president shall take over the duties and the responsibilities of the President.
e. Secretary – If appointed, the secretary shall attend and be the secretary of all meetings of the board, members and committees of the board. The secretary shall enter or cause to be entered in the Corporation’s minute book, minutes of all proceedings at such meetings; the secretary shall give, or cause to be given, as and when instructed, notices to members, directors, the public accountant and members of committees; the secretary shall be the custodian of all books, papers, records, documents and other instruments belonging to the Corporation.
f. Treasurer – If appointed, the treasurer shall have such powers and duties as the board may specify.
g. Past-President – shall be a director and act as an advisor to the board.
6.03 Vacancy in Office
In the absence of a written agreement to the contrary, the board may remove, whether for cause or without cause, any officer of the Corporation. Unless so removed, an officer shall hold office until the earlier of:
a. the officer’s successor being appointed,
b. the officer’s resignation,
c. such officer ceasing to be a director (if a necessary qualification of appointment) or
d. such officer’s death.
If the office of any officer of the Corporation shall be or become vacant, the directors may, by resolution, appoint a person to fill such vacancy.
Section 7 – Notices
7.01 Method of Giving Any Notice
Any notice (which term includes any communication or document), other than notice of a meeting of members or a meeting of the board of directors, to be given (which term includes sent, delivered or served) pursuant to the Act, the articles, the by-laws or otherwise to a member, director, officer or member of a committee of the board or to the public accountant shall be sufficiently given:
a. if delivered personally to the person to whom it is to be given or if delivered to such person’s address as shown in the records of the Corporation or in the case of notice to a director to the latest address as shown in the last notice that was sent by the Corporation in accordance with section 128 (Notice of directors) or 134 (Notice of change of directors);
b. if mailed to such person at such person’s recorded address by prepaid ordinary or air mail;
c. if sent to such person by telephonic, electronic or other communication facility at such person’s recorded address for that purpose; or
d. if provided in the form of an electronic document in accordance with Part 17 of the Act.
A notice so delivered shall be deemed to have been given when it is delivered personally or to the recorded address as aforesaid; a notice so mailed shall be deemed to have been given when deposited in a post office or public letter box; and a notice so sent by any means of transmitted or recorded communication shall be deemed to have been given when dispatched or delivered to the appropriate communication company or agency or its representative for dispatch. The secretary may change or cause to be changed the recorded address of any member, director, officer, public accountant or member of a committee of the board in accordance with any information believed by the secretary to be reliable. The declaration by the secretary that notice has been given pursuant to this by-law shall be sufficient and conclusive evidence of the giving of such notice. The signature of any director or officer of the Corporation to any notice or other document to be given by the Corporation may be written, stamped, type-written or printed or partly written, stamped, type-written or printed.
7.02 Invalidity of any Provisions of this By-law
The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this by-laws shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this by-law.
7.03 Omissions and Errors
The accidental omission to give any notice to any member, director, officer, member of a committee of the board or public accountant, or the non-receipt of any notice by any such person where the Corporation has provided notice in accordance with the by-laws or any error in any notice not affecting its substance shall not invalidate any action taken at any meeting to which the notice pertained or otherwise founded on such notice.
Section 8 – Dispute Resolution
8.01 Mediation and Arbitration
Disputes or controversies among members, directors, officers, committee members, or volunteers of the Corporation are as much as possible to be resolved in accordance with mediation and/or arbitration as provided in the section on dispute resolution mechanism of this by-law.
8.02 Dispute Resolution Mechanism
In the event that a dispute or controversy among members, directors, officers, committee members or volunteers of the Corporation arising out of or related to the articles or by-laws, or out of any aspect of the operations of the Corporation is not resolved in private meetings between the parties then without prejudice to or in any other way derogating from the rights of the members, directors, officers, committee members, employees or volunteers of the Corporation as set out in the articles, by-laws or the Act, and as an alternative to such person instituting a law suit or legal action, such dispute or controversy shall be settled by a process of dispute resolution as follows:
a. The dispute or controversy shall be submitted to a mediator. The parties shall agree on the selection of a mediator. If the parties cannot agree on a mediator the matter shall be referred to a court of competent jurisdiction. The mediator will then meet with the parties and attempt to mediate the dispute or controversy.
b . If the parties are not successful in resolving the dispute through mediation they may agree on having the mediator act as arbitrator. If they do not agree on having the mediator act as an arbitrator in the dispute they shall agree on an arbitrator. If they cannot agree on an arbitrator the matter shall be referred to a court of competent jurisdiction.
- If the parties are not successful in resolving the dispute through mediation, then the parties agree that the dispute shall be settled by arbitration before a single arbitrator, who shall not be any one of the mediators referred to above, in accordance with the provincial or territorial legislation governing domestic arbitrations in force in the province or territory where the registered office of the Corporation is situated or as otherwise agreed upon by the parties to the dispute. The parties agree that all proceedings relating to arbitration shall be kept confidential and there shall be no disclosure of any kind. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding and shall not be subject to appeal on a question of fact, law or mixed fact and law.
d. All costs of the mediators appointed in accordance with this section shall be borne equally by the parties to the dispute or the controversy. All costs of the arbitrators appointed in accordance with this section shall be borne by such parties as may be determined by the arbitrators.
Section 9 – By-laws and Effective Date
9.01 By-laws and Effective Date
Subject to the articles, the board of directors may, by resolution, make, amend or repeal any by-laws that regulate the activities or affairs of the Corporation. Any such by-law, amendment or repeal shall be effective from the date of the resolution of directors until the next meeting of members where it may be confirmed, rejected or amended by the members by ordinary resolution.
If the by-law, amendment or repeal is confirmed or confirmed as amended by the members it remains effective in the form in which it was confirmed. The by-law, amendment or repeal ceases to have effect if it is not submitted to the members at the next meeting of members or if it is rejected by the members at the meeting.
This section does not apply to a by-law that requires a special resolution of the members according to subsection 197(1) (fundamental change) of the Act because such by-law amendments or repeals are only effective when confirmed by members.
Approved at the Annual General Meeting 2018 of Members of the Corporation,
held on March 29, 2019 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
