Welcome to the BC Notaries Association!
T
he BC Notaries Association is very excited to open its doors to the Notaries and Notary students of British Columbia!
association that would be dedicated to supporting BC Notaries in growing their practices to serve the public. The separation of regulator and trade association is a standard model in other professions such as lawyers, REALTORS®, and medical practitioners.
Formation
In terms of timing, then-Chief Executive Officer Wayne Braid planned to retire; it was an excellent opportunity to separate roles and functions by creating a new organization.
The 2016 – 2026 Strategic Planning process of the Board of The Society of Notaries Public of BC The Board considers the risks and opportunities in the years ahead for practicing Notaries. They include • the active possibility of regulation by another body; • the need to increase capacity to support a growing number of members; • challenges around engaging in advocacy to government as a public regulator; • better engagement of the public and industry stakeholders such as REALTORS® and mortgage brokers; • expansion and diversification of notarial services to meet client needs; • enhanced continuing education; and • the resources to address fast-changing technology. After considering a number of options, a decision was made to establish a professional trade
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A task force was struck that oversaw the hiring of two new senior staff in late 2017. John Mayr came on board as Executive Director of The Society; Jacqui Mendes is the CEO of the BC Notaries Association. A Transition Committee was formed in January 2018 to facilitate the formation of the Association and transition relevant activities from The Society. The committee held very extensive discussions on the best structure for the Association to serve and support its members. A number of options for the name, constitution, bylaws, governance structure, membership, and dissolution requirements as per the Society Act were considered; considerable time and debate were undertaken to finalize the bylaws and constitution. Specialist legal advice was obtained throughout the process and committee members spent a good deal of time between meetings refining and working through the various options. The Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia
Incorporation We are pleased to report that the “BC Notaries Association” was incorporated on June 26, 2018, as a member-funded society as per the Society Act.
Constitution The Purposes of the BC Notaries Association 1. To promote and support British Columbia Notaries Public in all communities of the Province 2. To advance the standing of its members and awareness of their services to the public 3. To represent its members in matters of interest to them 4. To hold conferences, events, and other activities for and on behalf of its members 5. To provide services and programs beneficial to its members, including continuing education programs 6. To advocate on behalf of its members to industry, government, agencies, and Boards on matters that affect and interest members 7. To do all such other things as are incidental and ancillary to the attainment of the foregoing purposes and the exercise of the powers of The Society
Membership Classes • Practicing Notaries (voting class) • Retired Notaries (non-voting class) • Students (non-voting class) Volume 27 Number 3 Fall 2018
