Cooperative associations

Last updated on November 30, 2023

Cooperatives (co-ops) develop communities and create jobs by offering a range of supports like housing, food or health care. They are owned and operated by the people who use these essential products or services.

Start a cooperative

Cooperatives do not have to incorporate, but incorporating has advantages.

An incorporated co-op is a legal entity. It's independent of its members. This makes it easier to enter into contracts, incur debt or get funding.

See the Cooperative Association Act and Regulation

You may want to get advice from a chartered accountant or lawyer before setting up a cooperative association.  

Cooperatives that plan to do business in other provinces also need to complete an extraprovinical (out-of-province) registration.

Incorporated cooperatives from outside B.C. complete an extraprovinical (out-of-province) registration and maintain registered status while doing business in B.C.

 

1. Request and reserve a name

Request and reserve a business name online ($30 fee)

Cooperatives must have their name approved and confirm that it doesn't conflict with a name already being used by a corporation. This makes sure that the public is not confused or misled by a cooperative's name. Find out how to choose the right name.

If you're seeking name approval for an extraprovincial (out-of-province) cooperative association, contact BC Registry Services first at 1-877-526-1526 (toll free) or 250-387-7848.

It takes about 7 to 14 days to process a name request. Once it's complete, you'll receive a name request number you can use to register your business. Be sure to complete the registration before the name request expires (56 days after it's approved). If not, you'll need to submit another name request.

Request priority service ($100 fee) if you need to have a name approved in 1 to 2 business days.

 

2. Prepare a memorandum of association

A memorandum should accurately reflect the intention and values of the co-op. Be detailed and specific, but not too restrictive. This will avoid having to make changes later.

To form a co-op, at least three subscribers who are responsible for the co-op’s operation are required. They may be individuals or organizations such as a government, First Nation, corporation, business, society or another co-op.

Include in the memorandum:

  • The name and purpose of the cooperative association
  • Restrictions on the business and powers of the cooperative association
  • The authorized share capital - list the number and the classes of shares that the co-op can issue
  • A statement that the liability of the members or investment shareholders is limited in accordance with the Act
  • An optional statement about provisions if the co-op closes down
  • The number, class and par value, if applicable, of shares subscribed for by the founding members

Prepare a digital copy and save in PDF format.

Sample memorandum and step-by-step instructions (PDF, 407KB)

For community service co-ops that provide health, social, educational or other community services, include:

  • A provision that the association is a community service cooperative
  • That the association does not issue investment shares
  • That the purpose of the association is charitable or that it provides the services listed above
 

3. Prepare rules

Each co-op must set its own rules to cover:

  • Governance
  • Overarching goals, needs, and actions to fulfill its purpose
  • Election of directors
  • Requirements for membership
  • Financial information management
  • Special rights and restrictions related to investment shares
  • How meetings are conducted

The rules need to:

Applicants need to define their rules correctly. BC Registries is not responsible for verifying or offering advice about creating rules. You may want to get advice from a lawyer for help setting up your rules.

Use clear, concise, and consistent language to avoid confusion or disputes.

Prepare a digital copy and save in PDF format.

 

4. Create a list of first directors

Complete a List of First Directors (PDF, 133KB):

  • At least 3 directors are required
  • At least one director must be a B.C. resident
  • The majority of directors must be residents of Canada
  • The first directors of the co-op must be appointed in writing by a majority of the subscribers

Include the full name and residential address for each of the first directors. The residential address of a director must be a complete physical address and postal code. Do not use general delivery, post office box numbers, rural routes, sites or comp. numbers. If an area does not have street names or numbers, provide a description that would allow someone to locate the director.

 

5. Sign and witness documents

Each subscriber who is responsible for the co-op’s operation must sign the memorandum and the rules of the cooperative association:

  • Ensure each member understands the rules before they sign
  • They must sign both copies of the memorandum and rules
  • Under each signature, print the subscriber's full name and date of signature
  • If an organization is a subscriber, it must select an individual to sign the rules

Signatures must be signed in the presence of a witness:

  • Under each witness signature, print the witness’ full name and date of signature
  • A witness can be used for each signature or one person may witness all the signatures
  • Subscribers can witness each other’s signatures
  • If one person witnesses all the signatures, after the witness address type or print "Witness to all Subscriber Signatures"
 

6. Set up a registered office

Complete the Notice of Registered Office form (PDF, 144KB). The address will be used for delivering communications and notices.

  • In section B of the form, provide a physical delivery address and mailing address (if it's different than the delivery address) - label each address according to what type it is
  • Use a complete address in B.C. with a postal code - do not use general delivery, post office box numbers, rural routes, sites or comp. numbers
  • If an area does not have street names or numbers, provide a description that would allow someone to locate the office easily
 

7. Incorporate the cooperative association

Apply using the online BC Registry application ($250 fee).

 

8. Apply for a Business Number

To obtain a business number for your cooperative association:

Maintain a cooperative

 

Keep records up to date

File changes and documents promptly to maintain a good standing and active status with the registry. Most filings can be completed by logging in to the BC Registry application online.

Keep a record book that contains a certified copy of the cooperative association's:

  • Memorandum of Association
  • Rules of the Association

Be prepared to provide a copy to each member if they request one.

Every director should also have a copy of the documents as well as the Cooperative Association Act and be aware of its contents.

 

Host an annual general meeting and file an annual report

The first annual general meeting (AGM) of members must be held:

  • Within 3 months of the date of incorporation

OR

  • Within a later period, if approved by the registrar

Annual general meetings must be held once every calendar year within 4 months of the association’s fiscal year end date. File an annual report within 2 months of the annual general meeting date.

File an annual report ($30 fee). Log in to the BC Registry application. You'll need to know the annual general meeting date and names and addresses of the directors.

When filing an annual report, you can also make changes to address or director information ($20 fee for each filing). Financial statements and meeting minutes do not need to be filed with the annual report. Keep these documents with other records at your co-op’s registered office.


Apply for an annual general meeting extension in writing. Provide a brief explanation of why the meeting must be delayed and the date when the meeting is expected to be held. Before applying, make sure the cooperative is up to date with annual report filings and is in good standing. If the cooperative will not be able to hold its annual meeting within 4 months after the end of its financial year, you will need to request an extension. Submit extension requests to bcregistries@gov.bc.ca.

 

Change of name

Step 1: Request and reserve a name ($30 fee)

Step 2: Pass a special resolution for name change complete a Special Resolution form (PDF, 89.4KB)

Step 3: To change the co-op's name, log in to the BC Registry application

Once a new name is approved and filed, the previous name will be removed from the register and may be used by another organization.

 

Change of address

To update a co-op's registered office address, log in to the BC Registry application. 

Changes to a co-op's registered office address must be filed immediately. If not, the co-op may be dissolved.

 

Change of directors

To update information about the co-op's directors, log in to the BC Registry application.

Director updates occurring at an annual general meeting can be provided when filing the annual report.

Filing changes to directors in the order of the effective date (i.e. file the oldest change first). A separate director change filing needs to be completed for each specific date of change. This will ensure changes in previous filings are carried forward and will prevent delays in other filings. If director changes were filed out of order, contact the BC Registries team: 1-877-526-1526.

 

Change the rules or memorandum

Step 1: Pass a special resolution to change the rules or memorandum of a co-op and complete a Special Resolution form (PDF, 89.4KB)

This may be done at an annual general meeting. Members must be given at least 14 days notice of the meeting and the agenda.

Step 2: Log in to the BC Registry application to file a change to the rules or  memorandum

Changes take effect once documents are filed with BC Registries.

 

Correct a mistake in registration

Corrections of errors or omissions can be made for the following types of filings:


Annual report

Annual general meeting date

Director information

Registered address


Change of director information

Director name

Director address

Appointment date

Cessation (end) date


Change of address

Registered address


Step 1: Contact BC Registry Services at 1-877-526-1526 or 250-387-7848 to confirm the correction can be completed.

Step 2: Complete the Cooperative Association Corporate Register Correction form (PDF, 50.4KB) and submit it with payment ($20 fee).

Corrections are filed in the date order received. You can request priority service (1 to 2 business days) for an additional $100 fee.

 

Resolve conflicts

Members and directors should try to cooperate and resolve the dispute. Taking this approach before resorting to legal remedies can help:

  • Resolve disputes quickly
  • Reduce legal costs
  • Result in a solution that is acceptable to a majority of the parties involved

To resolve a dispute, the parties involved should:

  • Be prepared to listen with an open mind to each other's positions and viewpoints
  • Focus discussions on resolving the root cause of the dispute instead of unrelated personal disagreements

Invite a neutral third party to mediate discussions. The Mediate BC Society can help mediate disputes between society members for a fee.

Apply to the Civil Resolution Tribunal. As an independent, neutral organization, the Civil Resolution Tribunal can help resolve disputes for housing and community service cooperative associations, but cannot resolve disputes about other types of cooperatives. The tribunal charges fees for dispute resolution. Start an application.


Resolving a dispute about access to records 

Section 135 of the Cooperative Association Act sets out that a cooperative association must give access to certain records it is required to keep. For further details, please read Part 8 -Records, Division 3 -General.

If you feel that you should have access to a record that a cooperative association is required to keep, complete the Request to inspect or obtain copies of cooperative association documents, Form 59 COO NEW and submit your request directly to the applicable cooperative association’s registered office address. Please keep proof of mailing.

A person who claims to be entitled under section 128, 129, 130, 132, 133, 138 or 142 of the Cooperative Association Act to inspect or obtain copies of a cooperative association’s records, who has been denied access may apply in writing to the registrar for an order under section 135.1 of the Act.  A request for a Registrar’s Order must include any correspondence between the applicant and the cooperative to support the claim that access or copies of the requested records have been denied.

In some cases, an order of the Supreme Court of British Columbia may be required to get access to a cooperative record.

 

Look up information about a cooperative

Records filed by cooperatives can be accessed by the public for a small fee. Find out how to submit a search request.

Financial statements and meeting minutes are not part of filed records. You can request this information by contacting a cooperative's registered office.

Find out who can examine or receive copies of a cooperative association's records: 

Dissolve or end a cooperative

 

1. Pay debts, distribute remaining assets, and file annual reports

Before a co-op can be dissolved, it must pay all debts, have no remaining assets and file outstanding annual reports ($30 fee) by logging in to the BC Registry application. Please file your outstanding annual reports before filing a voluntary dissolution.

 

2. Pass a special resolution and prepare an affidavit

To apply for voluntary dissolution, the cooperative association must be authorized by special resolution of the members. Complete and sign the Special Resolution form (PDF, 89.4KB) and store it in the cooperative's records. Make sure the resolution clearly authorizes the association to make an application for dissolution.

One director must prepare an affidavit that states the cooperative association has no assets and no liabilities, or has made provision for their payment. It must be sworn before a commissioner for oaths or a notary public and have a seal affixed.

 

3. File Online

Before you start:

  • Ensure the cooperative is in good standing (i.e. file outstanding annual reports)
  • Ensure the cooperative information is up to date
  • Complete, date, and sign a special resolution form
  • Complete and sign an affidavit

File online with the Business Registry Application.

Once the filing is complete:

  • Dissolution is effective immediately
  • Notification of the dissolution will be published as part of the public record
  • The cooperative association, completing party, and custodian of records will receive the following outputs by email:
    • Receipt
    • Voluntary Dissolution Application
    • Certificate of Dissolution
    • Certified Special Resolution
    • Certified Affidavit
  • The account holder can also return to the BC Registry to download the cooperative's certified historical documents at any time.

 

Restore a cooperative

Follow these steps to restore a co-op that’s been dissolved for 10 years or less.

 

1. Request and reserve a name

Request and reserve a name ($30 fee). In the "for businesses that are already incorporated or registered in B.C." option, select "reactivate a B.C. or extraprovincial company".

OR

Complete the Name Request form (PDF, 117KB) and submit it using the instructions on the form. Indicate that you're restoring a cooperative association the "additional information" field.

 

2. Confirm status of land held by a cooperative (if applicable)

If the corporation held land or had an interest in land or personal property at the time of dissolution, refer to Restoring a Cooperative Association: Appendix A Escheat Claims (PDF, 308KB). You may want to seek independent legal advice

 

3. Apply for an order and request consent to restore


Apply for an order

Get the following Supreme Court civil rules forms:

  • Affidavit form
  • Consent order form
  • Requisition for consent order or order without notice forms

Initial application to the court includes an affidavit and requisition that outlines:

  • Date the co-op was dissolved
  • Identity of who is applying for restoration
  • Reasons why this co-op should be restored
  • Reasons why an order should be made retrospectively

Restoration of a co-op may be arranged for a limited period of up to two years. This limited period must be explained in the initial application to the court. When this period expires, the corporation is struck from the register.

If applying to restore a co-op under a new name, both the old and new names must be included in the application to the court so the correct old name can be restored as the new name of the co-op. Once the application is completed and the affidavit has been witnessed by a notary public or commissioner for taking oaths, return the application, in duplicate, along with the required fees, to the court. The court clerk will file one copy, open your action number, and stamp and return the duplicate copy of the application to you.

To learn more information on the court process for restoring a co-op, contact the court in your area or seek professional legal advice.


Submit documents to the registry

Submit your court-filed requisition and affidavit to BC Registries and Online Services.

By mail:
PO Box 9431
STN PROV GOVT
Victoria, BC V8W 9V3

By courier:
200 - 940 Blanshard St
Victoria, BC V8W 3E6

Staff will prepare the registrar’s consent and mail it back with a summary of information in the registry about the co-op.

 

 

4. Give notice


Advertise in the Gazette

While waiting to receive the registrar’s consent, advertise your intent to restore the cooperative in the British Columbia Gazette for one week. This needs to be completed prior to the court granting the order. You will be mailed a copy of the British Columbia Gazette containing your notice.

Sample wording for the advertisement:

Take note that a restoration application will be made to the Registrar to restore: 

  • Co-op name (if applying under a new name, include both the old and new names)
  • Incorporation number
  • Dated at (city or town), B.C., this (day) of (month), (year)
  • Name of person applying for gazette notice
  • Relationship to co-op
  • Indicate if you're applying for restoration for a limited period of time

Send notice to the registered office address

  • Send notice of your intent to restore the co-op by registered mail to the last registered office address on file with the registry

OR

  • For extraprovincial entities, send notice to the head office in British Columbia

Retain mailing receipts and a copy of the notice.

 

 

5. File an affidavit and draft an order

File another affidavit and a draft order with the court to establish that:

  • A notice of the initial application was sent to the registrar and was approved for restoration - include the consent notification
  • The initial application was published in the British Columbia Gazette - attach the full page with the ad to confirm the date of publication
  • Notice of intent to restore was mailed - include a copy of summary of information provided with the registrar’s consent, receipts and a copy of the notice of intent

Prepare a draft copy of the court order:

  • If applying for restoration for a limited period of time, indicate the dates in your draft court order
  • If applying for restoration under a new name, both old and new names must be included in the draft court order

Once the court order is complete, and the second affidavit has been witnessed by a notary public or commissioner for taking oaths, submit the draft order and affidavit to the court. Be sure to request a certified copy of the court order once granted.

The court will review the application and grant or deny the order. If the order is denied, you must comply with court requests. If the order is granted, obtain and pay for a certified copy of the court order.

 

6. Complete the restoration application

Submit the certified copy of the court order along with any other requirements outlined in the registrar’s consent and the required fees:

  • Basic restoration fee ($250)
  • Annual report fee ($30 for each report submitted)
  • If applicable, fee for Notice of Change of Directors and/or Notice of Change of Registered Office ($20 for each form submitted)

All filings are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. You can request priority service (additional $100 fee) if you need to have the restoration reviewed in 24-48 hours. Clearly indicate on both the envelope and the documentation that the submission is a priority. If a document has errors, then it must be corrected and returned to BC Registries within the 24-48 hour period to maintain priority status.

Once the filing is complete:

  • Notification of the restoration will be published as part of the public record
  • The cooperative association will receive a Certificate of Restoration confirming the restoration

 

Register an extraprovincial (out-of-province) cooperative

 

Continue a cooperative outside of B.C.


Step 1: Make sure the co-op is in good standing

Be prepared to prove that the co-op:

The co-op also must:

  • Have no debt
  • Be up to date with annual reports and other registry filings (outstanding filings can be submitted with the application)

Step 2: Pass a special resolution

Co-op subscribers must pass and authorize a special resolution by completing and signing 2 copies of the Special Resolution form (PDF, 89.4KB).

If the association has investment shares outstanding, a separate resolution for each class of outstanding investment shares to approve the continuation is also required. See section 187(4)(a) and (b) of the Act: Continuation from British Columbia.


Step 3: Prepare a letter

This Letter of Statement needs to include:

  • The name and address of the co-op’s current director, officer, or solicitor
  • The name of the jurisdiction where the co-op will continue
  • The section number of the relevant laws of the new jurisdiction, plus a copy, showing:
    • The property of the association remains the property of the foreign co-op
    • The foreign co-op continues to be liable for the obligations of the association
    • Any existing cause of action, claim or liability to prosecution is unaffected.
    • A civil, criminal, quasi-criminal, administrative or regulatory action, or proceeding being prosecuted or pending prosecution may be continued by or against the foreign co-op.
    • A conviction against or ruling, order or judgment in favour of or against the association may be enforced by or against the foreign co-op
  • Signatures from a current director, officer or solicitor

Step 4: Submit documents

Apply for the registrar’s consent by submitting all documents along with payment ($300 fee) to BC Registries and Online Services. Payment should be payable to the Minister of Finance.

By mail:
PO Box 9431
STN PROV GOVT
Victoria, BC V8W 9V3

By courier:
200 - 940 Blanshard St
Victoria, BC V8W 3E6

Step 5: Forward the Instrument of Continuation

A co-op has 6 months from the date of the registrar’s consent to start operating in the new jurisdiction.

Once the co-op is up and running, the new jurisdiction will provide a copy of the Instrument of Continuation. This must be filed with BC Registries and Online Services within 60 days after the date it's issued.

Upon receipt, the Corporate Registry will publish a notification in the British Columbia Gazette of your co-op’s continuation outside of B.C.

 

 

Register an extraprovincial cooperative in B.C.

A co-op that's already incorporated outside of B.C. is known as an extraprovincial cooperative association.

Companies from Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba can follow the simplified approach to registering an extraprovincial (out-of-province) company and keeping records up to date in B.C.

To register in B.C.:

Step 1: Request and reserve a name ($30 fee).

Step 2: Prepare copies of the following documents:

  • Incorporation documents, certified by the incorporating authority
  • Certificate of Good Standing (Status) issued by the incorporating authority
  • The cooperative association’s rules certified by an officer or director of the cooperative association if the association’s rules are not included as incorporated documents above

Step 3: Complete the Statement on Registration form (PDF, 159KB). Follow instructions on the form to send it to the BC Registry along with the prepared documents and payment ($250 fee) made payable to the Minister of Finance.

The co-op registration process takes about 15-to-30 working days once documents are received.

 

Ask for help

Contact the BC Registries helpdesk for help Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The registry does not provide business or legal advice.

Email: BCRegistries@gov.bc.ca
Toll free: 1-877-526-1526
Victoria: 250-387-7848

Support and services

For additional support with BC Registries filings, visit a Service BC location or call 1-877-370-1033.  Visit Support with BC Registries filings for your service options.  Please note that Service BC does not provide legal or financial advice.

Explore business resources and support services from the Small Business Branch or Small Business BC.