“Beyond Early 2020” for Ontario’s Not-for-Profit Corporations Act

Authored by Deina Warren, Associate Director, Legal Affairs

The long-awaited Ontario Not-for-profit Corporations Act, 2010, SO 2010, c.15 (ONCA) will now be launched “beyond early 2020” according to the province’s ONCA webpage. ONCA is intended to modernize the legal framework governing not-for-profit corporations, including registered charities, and up until recently, the target launch date was early 2020.

It appears that technology updates are the likely cause for the additional delay. The online notice explains that the government is updating its technology to support the changes, and that its focus is on launching a technology solution to best support stakeholders.

The updated notice assures not-for-profit corporations that further details will be made available closer to when ONCA comes into force, and that not-for-profits will still be given a three-year transition period once ONCA is in force.

Interim measures were enacted in September 2017 through Bill 154 Cutting Unnecessary Red Tape Act, 2017 to bridge the gap before ONCA comes into force. Until is does become effective, you can review the government’s suggested transition considerations and its plain-language guide to the ONCA.

When new information is available we will be sure to update you.