Bill 53 Update - Service Alberta Statutes (Virtual Meetings) Amendment Act

When the COVID-19 pandemic prevented Boards and governing entities from meeting in person, many organizations began to voice their need to hold meetings virtually but found their bylaws did not always allow it. As the Public Health Act measures expired, suspending the need for in-person meetings and votes, it became clear a longer-term solution would be required. Bill 53 provides thousands of organizations with more flexibility for meeting and voting online. It also provides the option of issuing meeting notices, holding meetings, and hosting votes in a virtual environment.

Bill 53 received Royal Assent on March 26, 2021, with changes retroactive to August 15, 2020. The changes affect any organization with meeting and voting requirements legislated under the Business Corporations Act, Companies Act, Societies Act, Condominium Property Act and Cooperatives Act.