Note: The Canada Cooperatives Act came into force on December 31, 1999. The Canada Cooperatives Act replaced the Canada Cooperative Associations Act on that date. The new Act modernizes the corporate governance rules relating to non-financial cooperatives and is partly modeled on the Canada Business Corporations Act. The legislation provides cooperatives with greater flexibility in responding to the demands of the competitive domestic and global marketplace. Cooperative principles and values are set out clearly in the Act. Any actions a cooperative takes must be consistent with these principles.
The Canada Cooperatives Act governs the incorporation of federal co-operatives. Co-operatives are business organizations owned by the members who use their services. They are a separate legal entity which may enter into contracts in their corporate name. Generally, each member of a co-operative is entitled to one vote. Surpluses are shared by members in proportion to the degree they use the services. The members elect the board of directors and decide what should be done with any profit that is generated in the co-op.
To apply for incorporation, at least three persons, or one or more cooperative entity, must send the Director, appointed under the Canada Cooperatives Act, the following:
Anyone wishing to form a co-operative association under federal law must complete certain forms. The following fees are required for document filings and services rendered.
Schedule of Fees
Certificate of incorporation | $250 |
Certificate of continuance | $200 |
Certificate of amendment | $200 |
Restated certificate of incorporation | $50 |
Certificate of amalgamation | $200 |
Letter of satisfaction (export) | $200 |
Sending an annual return | $40 |
Exemption (s. 248) | $100 |
Exemption (others) | $250 |
Certificate of compliance | $35 |
Providing uncertified copies of or extracts from documents | $1 |
Providing certified copies of or extracts from documents | $35 |
Incorporation of a co-operative can be a very complex matter and you may require legal assistance.
*Note: "non-profit" also known as nonprofit organizations, non profit organizations, not-for-profit organizations, voluntary organizations and volunteer organizations.
DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this section is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. For particular questions, the users are invited to contact their lawyer. For additional information, see contact(s) listed below.
New Brunswick Contact(s):
See National Contact.