Should You Incorporate?

The act of incorporation offers certain advantages to the incorporators and their successors but at the same time it also places certain responsibilities upon them. Accordingly, before proceeding with incorporation, the members of an unincorporated organization should give the matter serious consideration. In this regard you may wish to consult a lawyer who has experience in corporate matters and who, given all the facts, can advise you whether it would be to your advantage to incorporate.
It is not mandatory for a not-for-profit organization to incorporate. There are in existence hundreds, possibly even thousands, of unincorporated organizations in Saskatchewan that are carrying on their activities without any hindrance. Unincorporated organizations do not have a legal separate existence apart from their members.

Advantages of Incorporation
As the corporation is a separate legal entity distinct from its members and has the capacity to own property, to sue and be sued, it affords limited liability protection to its members.

• Individual members are not personally liable in certain instances, for the corporation’s debts and obligations.
• Continuity of the organization is assured while the membership changes.
• A corporation can own property in its name regardless of membership change
• The ability to bring a legal action in its own name (an unincorporated body cannot)
• Better chance of receiving government grants, because of the stability the organization appears to have.

The corporation is not affected by changes in its members, be it due to death or any other reason. Therefore, it is easier to enter into a number of transactions in the name of the corporation such as, banking, owning real estate or signing a lease or contract. A majority of the members of the corporation have the power to bind the others by their acts.

Disadvantages of Incorporation
As the corporation is a creature of statute, it is subject to some supervision by the Government of Saskatchewan and it must conduct its affairs in accordance with the applicable statutes. For example, the constitution or by-laws of the corporation, the election of directors and the calling of meetings of members are all governed by the Corporations Act. In addition, a corporation is required to report certain information on a regular basis to certain departments of the Government. Failure to comply with reporting or disclosure requirements could render the corporation and its directors and officers liable to certain penalties, the ultimate penalty being the cancellation of the charter and dissolution of the corporation.