By-Laws - adopted January 18th 2009

Fair Vote Canada – Saskatchewan Chapter

I Name

The chapter of Fair Vote Canada in Saskatchewan shall be called Fair Vote Canada – Saskatchewan Chapter, hereafter referred to as the Chapter.

II Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives of the Chapter are: to support the goals of Fair Vote Canada and its multi-partisan, citizen-based campaign; to provide a means for people in Saskatchewan to participate in the creation of a new voting system; and to provide information on voting system reform to the public.

III Members

Members of the Chapter are those members in good standing of Fair Vote Canada (hereafter referred to as the National Organization) residing in Saskatchewan who have signified in writing their willingness to participate in the activities of the Chapter and to abide by these Bylaws and those of the National Organization.

IV The Executive

The Executive of the Chapter shall be composed of the following:

i President
ii Vice-President
iii Secretary
iv Treasurer
v Executive Members-at-Large, the number of which shall be not less than two or more than four.

The term of office shall be one year.

Meetings of the Executive may be held at any time and place to be determined by the Executive provided that 48 hours written notice of such meeting shall be given personally, or transmitted by facsimile or electronic mail, to each member of the Executive.

Each member of the Executive is authorized to exercise one vote.

A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Executive.

V Annual General Meeting

The Chapter shall hold an Annual General Meeting, which shall:

i Receive a current financial statement from the Treasurer; and
ii Elect the Executive.

A quorum of the Chapter shall be five per cent of the membership including a majority of the Executive.

Fourteen days written notice shall be sent either by regular mail, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail transmission to each member of any annual or special general meeting of members.

Notice of any meeting where special business will be transacted should contain sufficient information to permit the member to form a reasoned judgment on the decision to be taken.

Each voting member present at a meeting shall have the right to exercise one vote. A majority of the votes cast by the members shall determine the questions in meeting except where the vote or consent of a greater number of members is required by these Bylaws or the Bylaws of the National Organization.

VI Elections

The Executive shall be elected by a secret ballot, or by a process as determined by consensus of those present.

The secret ballot process shall be as follows:

i The Executive shall be elected by a proportional vote using a transferable ballot.
ii The President shall be the candidate who receives the most first-preference votes, unless the elected candidates mutually agree on another candidate to fill the office.
iii The Executive will hold an election to fill the Executive offices other than President.

VII Executive Roles and Responsibilities

i The President shall:
Chair meetings of the Chapter and the Executive;
Represent the Chapter to the Public;
Assume responsibility for all communications and records of the Chapter;
Act as ex-officio member of all committees and shall have the authority in consultation with the Executive to designate a member of the Executive as an ex-officio member to any committee; and shall interpret the Chapter Bylaws and act as co-signatory for the Chapter bank or credit union account.

ii The Vice-President shall:
At the request of, or in the absence of, the President, shall take over the duties of the President; and
If the position of President becomes vacant, the Vice-President shall become President.

iii The Secretary shall:
Record and keep a record of all Minutes of membership and Executive meetings;
Ensure the proper distribution of said Minutes; and
Draft, as directed, correspondence and other documents and ensure that said correspondence is forwarded as appropriate.

iv The Treasurer shall:
Present a current financial statement to each meeting of the Chapter and its Executive; and
Act as co-signatory for the Chapter bank or credit union account.

VIII Committees

The Chapter Executive shall have the authority and the responsibility for establishing committees of the Chapter.

IX Finances

i The Chapter shall be funded by donations and membership fees that may be levied at an Annual General Meeting;
ii Membership fees can only be levied by a two-thirds majority vote of those present and voting at an Annual General Meeting.

X Amendment of Bylaws

i Any amendment of, deletion from or addition to these Bylaws shall become effective by approval of two-thirds of the voting members at an Annual General Meeting.
ii Notice of Motion must be included in the official notice of the Annual General Meeting to amend, delete from or add to these Bylaws;
iii Unless otherwise specified, any amendment of, deletion from or addition to these Bylaws shall become effective at the time of its adoption.

XI Authorities

i Nothing in these Bylaws shall be in contravention of the Bylaws of the National Organization;
ii These Bylaws, and any amendments, deletions from or additions thereto shall require written approval of the National Council of Fair Vote Canada to be in effect.
iii The Executive shall have the authority to make such policies and regulations as are necessary for the administration of the affairs of the Chapter, provided such policies and regulations do not conflict with these Bylaws or with the Bylaws of the National Organization.


Adopted by unanimous vote at the founding meeting of the Fair Vote Canada - Saskatchewan Chapter at Watrous, Saskatchewan, January 18, 2009.