Societies

Societies are non-profit organizations within the Northwest Territories incorporated under the Societies Act. Incorporation is not mandatory for organizations, but the benefits, such as limited liability for members, sometimes make this a good option.

Although a society does not need to incorporate, there are several advantages to formally incorporating the society. One advantage is that a member of a society may not be held responsible for the debts of the society. A society may own property and may enter into contracts itself, as opposed to its individual members entering into the contract. The public's perception of a society is one having a more permanent status than an unincorporated group. An incorporated society may be eligible for government grants and to become a registered charity with Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. Incorporation creates a legal entity for the organization and those individuals who are involved with it.