Bylaws are legal documents that outline the rules and procedures for a nonprofit. Every incorporated nonprofit in Canada is legally required to have bylaws—whether you’re operating under federal legislation like the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (NFP Act) or provincial laws such as the various Societies Acts. Provincial organizations, such as AOWMA, SOWMA, MOWMA, and WCOWMA-BC, must follow their respective provincial statutes.

The bylaws provide nitty-gritty details about how the non-profit corporation can be operated. This can include how often the Board of Directors needs to meet, how many people are on the Board, and who has the authority to recruit, manage, and release staff. 

Bylaws can be changed, but there is a specific process that must be followed, the changes must comply with relevant provincial laws, and the changes must be submitted to the appropriate governing party.

Be informed: view the bylaws for AOWMA, SOWMA, MOWMA, WCOWMA-BC, and WCOWMA.