Introduction to Transitioning an Existing Society

Under the new Societies Act, members have greater access to a society�s records. The Act spells out the records a society must keep, including a register of members, minutes of members� and directors� meetings, accounting records, and financial statements. By default under the Act, members are entitled to inspect all records of the society (as are directors). For some records, member access can be restricted. For example, a society�s bylaws can restrict members� access to accounting records. The public is entitled to receive a copy of a society�s financial statements and auditor�s report if requested. A society can choose to grant access to the public to more of its records. The only record that is excluded from public accessibility is the society�s register of members.