Legal Lunch and Learns
Discussions about legal issues of concern to British Columbia’s non-profit sector.
Defamation on social media
Can I be sued for something I say on social media? What is safe to share online and what could get me in trouble?
Join David Wotherspoon and Jasmine Der, defamation and free speech litigators, for an in depth discussion on defamation on social media. Learn about an ongoing case raising questions about free speech on social media, and why lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP suits) also known as intimidation suits, are so damaging.
International Movement to Ban NDAs
Julie Macfarlane, co-founder of Can't Buy My Silence, and human rights lawyer Clea Parfitt, engage in an in-depth discussion on the International Movement to Ban Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). Learn about the campaign to stop the expanding misuse of these types of contracts by demanding new legislation and regulation to stop “gag orders” from being used in settlements of cases of sexual misconduct, racism, pregnancy discrimination and other human rights violations.
Lobbying vs. advocacy
Lobby vs Advocacy? Why is it important to distinguish the two? What is the danger in labeling advocacy as lobbying? And how is the Lobbyists Transparency Act negatively impacting the non-profit sector?
Toronto Freelance Journalist John Lorinc facilitates a spirited conversation with Cherie Payne of The Vantage Point, Sarah Kim of Vancouver Foundation, and PLEO Founder and Legal Director Martha Rans QC on the topic of lobbying vs advocacy.
Land Owner Transparency Act
The Land Owner Transparency Act (LOTA), introduced on November 30, 2020, requires the owner, certain transferees, and “interest holders” to file a transparency declaration with the Land Owner Transparency Registry. Under the Act, failing to file and filing “false or misleading information” are offences that carry significant financial penalties.
In this conversation with Gina Lupino, lawyer Samantha Douglas answers questions about the LOTA and its requirements.
societies act amendments
You may have heard of the amendment to the BC Societies Act introduced on October 6, 2021. The changes apply to many areas of non-profit operations, including bylaws, record keeping, remuneration, and more.
Join PLEO's Legal Director, Martha Rans and Vantage Point’s Associate Executive Director, Maria Turnbull to get your questions answered, understand how the changes affect your organization, and ensure you know how to be in compliance going forward.
Returning to work in the fourth wave
What does it mean to return to work amidst vaccine passports and the delta variant when your workplace is a stage, a theatre, a gallery, or a museum? As staff, artists, and patrons, how do we protect our safety and human rights? What responsibilities do we have to others?
Co-presented by Arts BC, human rights lawyer Clea Parfitt discusses what to consider when implementing the proof of vaccination order in the arts sector.
To bylaw or not to bylaw: An Introduction to Policies
What is the difference between bylaws and policies? Which goes where? Featuring governance expert Alison Brewin, we drill down into the policies that affect every corner of a non-profit’s day to day operations. Plus, hear insights on what not to include in your bylaws, and why.
Learning Objectives:
Identify important policies every non-profit must have
The difference between bylaws and policies
What not to include in your bylaws
Addressing Sexual Harassment and Misconduct in the Present Moment
By now we all should know that we have an obligation to provide a workplace free from sexual harassment, bullying and intimidation. How successful are these policies in practice? What is the price we pay for a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)? What barriers exist to prevent complainants coming forward and what can we do to make our processes more responsive? For this webinar we were joined by Julie Macfarlane, law professor, and lawyer Clea Parfit to discuss.
About Julie: Julie has been an active mediator and facilitator in hundreds of litigation cases, public policy fora and workplace bargaining settings over the past 20 years. Julie’s new book is Going Public: a Survivor’s Journey from Grief to Action for Between the Lines Press, 2020. It describes her personal experiences of sexual violence and abuse, her efforts to use the legal system for change, and her first-hand experiences of institutional cultures – churches, schools, and universities - that tolerate and suppress sexual violence.
Let's Talk Amalgamation – Do's and Don'ts in Deciding the Future of Your Organization
These are tough times for non-profits. As we deal with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic with dropping revenues and a pivot in strategy, you may be looking to amalgamate with another non-profit, or gain clarity on the life span and future of your organization. In this webinar we will discuss the do’s and don’ts of amalgamation in how you decide to proceed in this critical stage. Joined by Margaret Mason, a charities lawyer with more than 30 years of experience, Margaret will share her insights on this complex matter, applying her experience in the areas of governance, regulatory compliance, and board skill development. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Margaret’s expertise on your organizational structure.
HOW-TO HOLD A VIRTUAL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, CO-PRESENTED WITH CHARITYVILLAGE
June tends to be ‘peak season’ for Annual General Meetings, and how you organize your AGM may look different during this time of uncertainty. One challenge Non-profits face now is ensuring that the minimums of legal and governance requirements are met, in particular that of holding AGMs and filing annual reports. In this informative webinar presented by PLEO and Charity Village, find out how-to hold a virtual AGM for your organization in a way that meets the legal and safety requirements that this unique period demands. Please note that this program is oriented towards organizations incorporated under B.C.’s Societies Act.
View the Info Sheet
Meeting Software for Non Profit Societies
Voting Software for Non Profit Societies
CHANGES TO THE LOBBYISTS TRANSPARENCY ACT – IMPLICATIONS FOR THE NONPROFIT SECTOR
The new Lobbyists Transparency Act came into effect on May 4, 2020. The LTA is meant to increase transparency with respect to who is lobbying the BC government. This legislation has broad implications for the sector. It removed previous thresholds on lobbying activities that organizations were able to undertake in support of their mandate without triggering reporting requirements. In this session we'll discuss the Legislation's key points. Who should attend: Executive Directors, senior leaders, board members, government representatives, not-for-profit, and funders.
RENT RELIEF FOR COMMERCIAL BUSINESSES: A DEEP DIVE INTO THE CECRA PROGRAM WITH HOUSING LAWYER GRANT HADDOCK
Join us for a followup conversation with Grant Haddock about the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program for rent relief for commercial tenants. In this informative webinar, hear his insights on what this means for your organization during this time of uncertainty.
View the Info Sheet
Download a Sample Rent Deferral Agreement (Commercial Leases).
Download the PowerPoint.
HUMAN RIGHTS: THE DUTY TO ACCOMMODATE IN LIGHT OF COVID-19 WITH HUMAN RIGHTS & EMPLOYMENT LAWYER CLEA PARFITT
Join us for a conversation with lawyer Clea Parfitt about accommodating workers and avoiding a human rights complaint through circumstances such as COVID-19. We’ll discuss issues such as bullying and harassment, doctor’s notes, accommodating immuno-compromised workers when it’s time to return to work, and more.
View the Info Sheet
Return to Work Letter Template
Director Liability FAQ’s
LEGAL LUNCH & LEARN: COMMERCIAL LEASES IN TIMES OF TROUBLE WITH HOUSING LAWYER GRANT HADDOCK
We were joined by housing lawyer Grant Haddock for a discussion about commercial leases and negotiating with landlords when times are tough.
View the Info Sheet
Download a Sample Rent Deferral Agreement (Commercial Leases).
Additional information here.
LEGAL LUNCH & LEARN: EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNDS - THE DO'S & DON'TS FOR CHARITIES AND BEYOND WITH NON-PROFIT LAWYER ANDERS I. OURUM
In conversation with PLEO Director of Programs Martha Rans, Vancouver lawyer Anders Ourom shared suggestions for charities or non-profits considering creating short-term, immediate relief funds to those facing unexpected loss of income as a result of COVID-19.
LEGAL LUNCH & LEARN: TO LAY OFF OR NOT TO LAY OFF – THAT IS THE QUESTION WITH KATY E. ALLEN, ASSOCIATE, LAWSON LUNDELL LLP (VANCOUVER)
We were joined by lawyer Katy Allen to discuss employment issues in non-profit workplaces in the times of COVID-19. Katy shared insights into how to strategize for temporary layoffs or reduce workers' hours within your organization, understanding ESA rights and obligations, and available government funds to help support workers and businesses.
law for non-profits: Privacy and recordkeeping Webinar (2016)
Ensure your organization is in accordance with the Societies Act, and the Personal Information Protection Act.
More privacy and recordkeeping tools can be found on our resources page.