Emergency Order Allows Stratas to Conduct General Meetings by Electronic Means
The Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General has issued an order under the Emergency Program Act enabling all strata corporations to conduct electronic meetings (including Annual and Special General Meetings) during the provincial state of emergency. Strata councils already have the flexibility to hold strata council meetings electronically.
This order applies to all strata corporations whether or not they already have a bylaw allowing electronic meetings.
The ability to hold meetings using telephone conference calls or an online application, such as Skype or Zoom, helps strata corporations hold general meetings in accordance with the Provincial Health Officer’s order against gatherings of larger than 50 people and helps keep people safe during the pandemic.
While restricted proxy meetings are a good option, the strata council may choose the best means for their strata, as long as it allows everybody to communicate with each other during the meeting. If an online meeting platform is chosen, alternatives for owners without a computer could include allowing some people to attend in person or by telephone, or to participate by proxy.
The Province’s strata housing website has COVID-19 webpages with information for strata councils, owners, residents and stakeholders on cleaning, physical distancing, other precautions, paying strata fees and holding meetings.