On April 21, 2020, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General of British Columbia issued a Ministerial Order (the “Order”) permitting electronic attendance at meetings (collectively referred to as “Corporate Meetings”) held pursuant to the Business Corporations Act, the Cooperative Association Act and the Societies Act (collectively, the “Statutes”). Corporate Meetings include annual general meetings, special meetings, meetings of the board of directors or a committee of directors and meetings of the shareholders or the members. The Order was made pursuant to the state of emergency declared by the province under the Emergency Program Act in response to COVID – 19. Electronic attendance at Corporate Meetings is permitted for the duration of the state of emergency.

The Order overrides anything in the Statutes, regulations or constating documents, such as articles, memoranda and bylaws, that may prohibit electronic attendance at Corporate Meetings. As a result, even where prohibited by an entity’s governing documents, Corporate Meetings may now be held via teleconference, video conference or other communication mediums as long as they meet the conditions set out in the Order. Hybrid meetings, where some attendees participate electronically and others participate in person, are also allowed. However, in-person attendees at hybrid meetings must still abide by orders of the Provincial Health Officer, which currently prohibit gatherings of more than 50 people.

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