Importance of a strong voice from non-profits in responding to BC Society Act Consultation
Since the BC Provincial Government issued a request in December 2009 for consultation on possible changes to the BC Society Act, a number of local organizations have been working together on developing a collaborative submission to help represent the interests of the not-for-profit sector.
A copy of this submission, initially endorsed by 28 leading organizations from BC, is available here. There has also been a sector based website established to build momentum and encourage more dialogue and education about the importance of this legislation. www.yourtake.ca
We believe that a strong voice is necessary at this time, showing some solidarity and confirming that an overly restrictive regulatory framework is not in the public interest. Accountability is certainly important, but there is a significant risk that changes to the Act (which applies to the vast majority of not-for-profit organizations here) could result in new onerous requirements for compliance and undue limitations on activities or governance as we have seen in other jurisdictions. Given the very broad diversity of organizations in our sector here in BC and the already strained capacity, we encourage you to voice your opinions directly to the government through their consultation process http://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/society_act_review.htm , and/or to show support for this collaborative response.
The deadline for submissions through the formal consultation is April 1, 2010, so even just a quick e-mail to fcsp@gov.bc.ca confirming your opinions about the prospect of increased regulation in the not-for-profit sector would be useful.
For those interested in adding support to the collaborative group, we will also work to compile lists of supporters for the collaborative response at vcf@vancity.com or on the website at where the submission is posted. www.yourtake.ca/sign-on-to-joint-submission/
A copy of this submission, initially endorsed by 28 leading organizations from BC, is available here. There has also been a sector based website established to build momentum and encourage more dialogue and education about the importance of this legislation. www.yourtake.ca
We believe that a strong voice is necessary at this time, showing some solidarity and confirming that an overly restrictive regulatory framework is not in the public interest. Accountability is certainly important, but there is a significant risk that changes to the Act (which applies to the vast majority of not-for-profit organizations here) could result in new onerous requirements for compliance and undue limitations on activities or governance as we have seen in other jurisdictions. Given the very broad diversity of organizations in our sector here in BC and the already strained capacity, we encourage you to voice your opinions directly to the government through their consultation process http://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/society_act_review.htm , and/or to show support for this collaborative response.
The deadline for submissions through the formal consultation is April 1, 2010, so even just a quick e-mail to fcsp@gov.bc.ca confirming your opinions about the prospect of increased regulation in the not-for-profit sector would be useful.
For those interested in adding support to the collaborative group, we will also work to compile lists of supporters for the collaborative response at vcf@vancity.com or on the website at where the submission is posted. www.yourtake.ca/sign-on-to-joint-submission/
Regards,
Derek Gent
Executive Director
Vancity Community Foundation
510 - 815 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 1B4
T 604.877.7553 F. 604.709.6909
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