Tips for Co-operatives Relating to Articles of Incorporation and Amendments

The co-operative sector submits documents, such as articles of incorporation and amendments, to the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO).  While the legal requirements for the contents and filing of articles of incorporation and amendment are set-out in the Co-operative Corporations Act (CCA), the following tips relate to the process of submitting these documents to FSCO.   

As a co-operative, you should:

• only submit documents in final form

• ensure original signatures are on all final documents

• identify and explain any critical dating requirement or timing issue when a document is submitted as FSCO will attempt to accommodate, to the extent possible, timing requirements

• submit payment when documents are sent to FSCO

FSCO will:

• send an acknowledgement letter when a document is received

• contact the co-operative if minor additional information is required

• return documents if the information is incomplete or inaccurate

• expedite documents filed subject to prompt responses being received from the co-operative to any follow-up questions

• review documents before a receipt or certificate can be issued (for complex matters, it is reasonable to expect the review time will take longer)

As FSCO identifies other helpful suggestions, they will be added to this tips document.