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PREAMBLE
TheBritishColumbiaConservativePartyisfirmlycommittedtotheconceptofaccountabilitytothetaxpayersoftheProvince.
IncomeisreceivedbytheGovernment“intrust”forthecitizensoftheProvinceandwe,whenwearetheGovernment,accept
thatitisourresponsibilitytomanagethosefundsinthemostefficientandaccountablemannerpossible.
TheBCConservativePartyisbasedonthedualprinciplesthatthePartymustbetotallyaccountabletoitsMembers,and,when
formingtheGovernment,thatourGovernmentwillbeaccountabletoallthepeopleoftheProvince.
ThePartyalsobelievesthatallindividualsandorganizationswithinGovernment,includingpublicservantsatalllevels,mustbe
heldaccountablefortheprudentmanagementofmoniesandtheefficientdeliveryofservices.Thisappliesacrossthespectrum
ofGovernmentoperations,includingeducation,healthcare,electricalpower,oranyotherserviceprovidedbyGovernment.
Totheseends,aBCConservativeGovernmentwillbededicatedtoensuringexpectedstandardsarewelldefined,delivery
performanceisregularlymonitoredandtested,astructureoftransparencywillalwaysprevail,andthoseresponsiblefor
deliveryareheldaccountable.
'5$)7$35,/
INDEX
PREAMBLE.....................................................................................................................................................................2
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE1PURPOSE
CONSTITUTION.............................................................................................................................................................2
ARTICLE1PURPOSE....................................................................................................................................................2
ARTICLE2PRINCIPLES.................................................................................................................................................2
BYLAWS........................................................................................................................................................................2
ARTICLE1INTRODUCTIONANDINTERPRETATION....................................................................................................2
ARTICLE2MEMBERSHIP.............................................................................................................................................3
ARTICLE3ESTABLISHMENTOFTHEBOARDOFDIRECTORS.......................................................................................4
1.01ThepurposesofthePartyare:
(a)TopromoteandfostertheaimsandprinciplesofthePartyassetoutinthisConstitutionandtheByLaws.
(b)ToorganizethenominationofandthesupportofCandidatesforelectiontopublicofficeasMembersofthe
LegislativeAssemblyofBritishColumbia.
(c)TopromotemembershipinandsupportforthePartybytherecruiting,organizinganddevelopmentofallaspects
ofthevariousstructuresofthePartyandbytheraisingoffundssufficienttoproperlycarryoutitsactivities.
ARTICLE2PRINCIPLES
ARTICLE4STRUCTUREANDRESPONSIBILITIESOFTHEBOARDOFDIRECTORSANDMANAGEMENTCOMMITTEE..5
ARTICLE5ADDITIONALDUTIESOFTHEBOARDOFDIRECTORS.................................................................................6
ARTICLE6STANDINGCOMMITTEES...........................................................................................................................7
ARTICLE7GENERALCOMMITTEESANDCOMMITTEECHAIRS...................................................................................8
ARTICLE8ANNUALGENERALMEETINGS.(AGMs).....................................................................................................9
ARTICLE9SPECIALGENERALMEETINGs.(SGMs).....................................................................................................10
ARTICLE10CONSTITUTIONALAMENDMENTSANDPOLICYRESOLUTIONS.............................................................10
ARTICLE11THELEADER...........................................................................................................................................11
ARTICLE12ELECTIONOFALEADER.........................................................................................................................11
2.01TheBCConservativePartyisfoundedonandwillbeguidedbythefollowingprinciples
(a)Goodgovernment.Abeliefthatgoodgovernmentisethical,accountable,andfiscallyresponsibleandinenforcing
theruleoflawtoprovideforthepeaceandsecurityofoursociety.Afurtherbeliefinsmaller,lessintrusive,
moreefficientgovernmenttoaffordthegreatestamountoffreedomwiththeleastamountoftaxation.
(b)Individuallibertyandfreedom.Abeliefthateveryindividualhasvalue,thatlifeandlibertyareafundamentaland
inviolableright,andthateveryoneisbornequaltoenjoylifeinatolerantsocietythatrespectstheirindividuality
andfreedomofspeech,religion,andassembly.
(c)Socialresponsibility.Abeliefinastrongsocialsafetynetthatcaresforthevulnerableinoursocietywhile
encouragingindividualselfsufficiency.
(d)Freeenterpriseeconomy.Abeliefthatacompetitivefreeenterpriseeconomywiththerighttoprivateproperty
areessentialtoencouragetheentrepreneurialspiritthatcreatesprosperity.
ARTICLE13CONSTITUENCYASSOCIATIONS(CAs)....................................................................................................13
BYLAWS
ARTICLE14REGIONALORGANIZATIONSANDCOMBINEDASSOCIATIONS..............................................................14
ARTICLE15CONSTITUENCIESANDREGIONS...........................................................................................................14
ARTICLE16ADDITIONALPROVINCIALASSOCIATIONS.............................................................................................14
ARTICLE17APPEAL...................................................................................................................................................15
ARTICLE18MEDIATIONCOMMITTEEANDAPPEALSBOARD...................................................................................16
ARTICLE19NOTICE...................................................................................................................................................17
ARTICLE20RULESANDREGULATIONS.....................................................................................................................17
BCCPDraftConstitutionandByLaws–April2015 Page1
ARTICLE1INTRODUCTIONANDINTERPRETATION.
1.01The“Party”meansthe“BritishColumbiaConservativeParty”,alsoknownasthe“BCConservativeParty”,“BC
Conservative”,andthe“BCCP”.
1.02TheConstitutionandByLawsshallbeinterpretedandgivenmeaningrequiredtocomplywiththeBCElectionActandthe
BCSocietyAct.Anysection,orpartofasectionoftheConstitutionorByLawswhichcannotbeinterpretedtocomplywith
applicablelegislationisdeemedtobeseveredfromthebalanceoftheConstitutionorByLawsorsection,andisofno
forceoreffect.
1.03Basicrulesofdecorumandrespectandasoutlinedinthe“CodeofConduct”(attachedasAppendix“A”hereto)shallbe
maintainedatalltimes.
BCCPDraftConstitutionandByLaws–April2015 Page2
1.04Therulescontainedinthecurrenteditionof“Robert’sRulesofOrder,NewlyRevised”shallgovernthePartyinallcasesto
whichtheyareapplicableandinwhichtheyarenotinconsistentwiththeseByLawsorinanyspecialrulesoforderthe
Partymayadopt.
1.05TheheadofficeofthePartyandtheaddresstowhichallcommunicationsandnoticesmaybesentandprocessmaybe
served,shallbedeterminedbytheBoardofDirectorsofwhichtheRegistrarofCompaniesshallbeadvised.Financial
recordsandmembershiprecordswillbekeptattherespectiveresidenceorplaceofbusinessofthefinancialagentand
themembershipsecretary.TheParty’slegalcounselmayalsoretainPartyrecords.
1.06IntheseByLaws,unlessthecontextotherwiserequires:
(a)“AppealsBoard”hasthemeaninggiventoitunderArticle18;
(b)“BoardofDirectors”shallmeantheParty’sProvincialBoardofDirectors,beingthegoverningbodyoftheParty
unlessspecificallystatedotherwise;
(c)“Caucus”meansMemberswhoareMembersoftheLegislativeAssemblyofBritishColumbia;
(d)“ConstituencyAssociation”meansaConstituencyAssociationofthePartyMembersasrecognizedandapproved
bytheBoardofDirectors;
(e)“Day”and/or“days”shallmeanacalendardayordays;
(f)“ElectoralDistrict”meansanElectoralDistrictreferredtoinSection18oftheConstitutionActofBritishColumbia;
(g)“ElectionAct”meanstheElectionActofBritishColumbia,RSBC1996,c.106;
(h)“ElectionsBC”referstotheOfficeoftheChiefElectoralOfficerofBritishColumbia;
(i)“MediationandAppealsCoordinator”hasthemeaninggivenunderArticle18;
(j)“MediationCommittee”hasthemeaninggiventoitunderArticle18;
(k)“Member”isapersonwhohasbecomeandremainsaMemberofthePartyunderArticle2andcomplieswithall
therequirementsofthisConstitutionandByLaws;
(l)“OrdinaryResolution”meansaresolutionpassedatageneralmeetingofthePartybyamajorityofvotescastin
respectoftheresolution;
(m)“ProvincialAssociation”meansanassociationorotherorganizationorentityauthorizedandformedin
accordancewithArticle16;
(n)“ReturningOfficer”isappointedunderandhastheresponsibilitiesassetoutinArticle12.05;
(o)“SocietyAct”meanstheSocietyActofBritishColumbia,RSBC1996c.433andallamendmentstoit;
(p)“SocietyBranch”referstotheSocietiesandCooperativesBranchoftheCorporateRegistryofBritishColumbia,
orasubsequentprovincialauthorityempoweredtooverseesocietiesundertheSocietyAct;
(q)“SpecialResolution”meansaresolutionpassedbyatleast75%ofthevotescastinrespectoftheresolution;
(r)“StandingCommittee”hasthemeaninggiventoitunderArticle6.
ARTICLE2MEMBERSHIP.
2.01MembershipwillbeavailabletoanyresidentofBritishColumbia,fourteen(14)yearsorolderwhosupportstheParty
ConstitutionandByLaws.ThelengthoftermofmembershipshallbeprescribedbytheBoard.Membershipfeesshallbe
setbytheBoardandmaybeadjustedfromtimetotime,tocovertheminimumcostsassociatewiththeadministrationof
membership.
2.02Apersonbecomesa“Memberingoodstanding”twentyone(21)daysafterasignedmembershipapplicationformwith
feespaidbytheapplicantorbythatapplicant’simmediatefamily,usingtheirowncash,cheque,PayPalaccount,orcredit
card,hasbeenreceivedandacceptedbytheParty.ProvidedthatinrespectofaCandidate,theBoardmayreducethe
twentyone(21)dayrequirement.Providedfurther,Memberswhorenewtheirmembershipwithinninety(90)daysafter
ithasexpiredwillimmediatelybeconsidered“Membersingoodstanding”.
2.03Afterreceivingaproperlycompletedapplicationformembershipintherequiredformandthemembershipfee,Party
headquarters,afteracceptancebytheParty,willgranttheapplicantmembershipanddesignatetheapplicantasa
MemberofaConstituencyAssociationbasedontheapplicant’sresidentialaddress.
2.04EachMemberwillbeaMemberofnotmorethanone(1)ConstituencyAssociation.
2.05EachMembermay,onceduringeachcalendaryear,applytotheBoardofDirectorsforatransferofmembershipto
anotherConstituencyAssociation.
BCCPDraftConstitutionandByLaws–April2015 Page3
2.06AfterreceivinganapplicationfromaMemberforthetransferofmembershiptoanewConstituencyAssociation,theBoard
ofDirectorswillgrantthetransfer,withsuchtransfertobeeffectiveonthedaytheapplicationisreceived.
2.07DespiteArticles2.05and2.06,theBoardofDirectorsmaytransferaMembertoanewConstituencyAssociationthat
correspondswiththeMember’sordinaryplaceofresidence.
2.08OnlyaMemberingoodstandingmayvoteatanAnnualGeneralMeeting(hereafterreferredtoasan“AGM”)oraSpecial
GeneralMeeting(hereafterreferredtoasa“SGM”)orvoteonotherPartybusiness.OnlynonBoardMembersingood
standingwhoareeligibletovotemaysignthenominationpapersofapotentialCandidateorLeadershipCandidate.
2.09AnyMemberwhojoinsorpubliclysupportsanotherprovincialpoliticalpartyorpubliclycampaignsagainstanofficially
nominatedBCConservativePartyCandidatefortheMembersoftheLegislativeAssemblyofBritishColumbiawill
immediatelyforfeitmembership.TheBoardofDirectorswillinformtheMemberinwritingoftheforfeitureandcause.
2.10ThePartywillmaintainandupdatemembershiprecordsandcollectanddispersethemembershipfees.Themembership
recordswillinclude:
(a)thefullnameoftheMember;
(b)completeresidentialaddressoftheMemberandthemailingaddressifdifferent;
(c)dateonwhichthepersonbecomesaMember(Article2.02);
(d)dateofmembershipexpiration;
(e)phonenumber(optional);and,
(f)emailaddress(optional).
2.11Fiftypercent(50%)ofthefundsreceivedformembershipfeesandrenewalswillbefortheaccountoftherespective
approvedConstituencyAssociation(CA)inwhichtheMemberisresident.IfaMemberisresidentinaconstituencythat
hasnoapprovedCA,theentirefeewillbefortheaccountoftheParty.
2.12Honorary“LifetimeMemberships”maybegrantedbyamajorityvoteataPartyAnnualGeneralMeetingupon
recommendationoftheBoardofDirectors.Providedfurther:
(a)thenumberofHonoraryLifeMembershipsgrantedinanyyearshallnotexceedten,and,
(b)anHonoraryLifeMembershallbeanindividualMemberofthePartywithoutpaymentoffee.
2.13MembershiplistswillbeconfidentialandwillnotbesoldorusedforanypurposeotherthanrequiredbythePartyas
authorizedbytheBoardofDirectorsontherecommendationofitsMembershipCommittee.Further,thatmembership
listsshallnotbepartofthedocumentsofthesocietytowhichinspectionofMembersispermittedundertheprovisionsof
theSocietyActofBC.
2.14OnlyMembersingoodstandingmay:
(a)holdanelectedorappointedpositionwithintheParty;
(b)beeligibletoseeknominationasaCandidateinaprovincialelectionorbyelectionorasaLeadershipCandidate.
2.15NoMembershallcausethePartytobefinanciallyindebtedorspendfundsbelongingtothePartywithouttheapprovalof
theBoardofDirectors.AnyMemberhavingincurredadebtunauthorizedbythePartyshallbeheldpersonallyliablefor
thisdebt.
2.16ThePartydiscipline,membershiprefusalandappealprocedurestowhichallMembersaresubjectto,arecontainedin
Articles17and18hereof.
2.17EachMemberoftheParty,includingCandidatesfor,andholderofPartyand/orpublicoffice,isherebydeemedtohave
covenantedthat:
“IacceptandwillabidebytheConstitution,Principles,Policies,BylawsandCodeofConductoftheBCConservative
Party”.
AnybreachofthiscovenantisaviolationofthePartyConstitutionandByLaws.
ARTICLE3ESTABLISHMENTOFTHEBOARDOFDIRECTORS.
3.01TheBoardofDirectorswillactonbehalfofthePartyinaccordancewiththedirectivesapprovedattheAGMsandSGMs
andassetoutintheseByLaws.TheterminofficeofanOfficerorDirectorshallcommenceattheendofthemeetingheld
onthedayofhis/herelectionandshallterminateattheendofthemeetingheldonthedaywhenhis/herreplacementis
electedorappointed.
3.02AGMvotingproceduresareasfollows:
BCCPDraftConstitutionandByLaws–April2015 Page4
(a)ballotswillbeavailabletoeachMemberingoodstandingregisteredattheAGM;
(b)nominationswillbeacceptedfromthefloor,withaseconder;
(c)eachnomineemustconsenttotheirnomination;
(d)ifthenomineeisnotpresent,theconsenttothenominationmustbeinwriting;
(e)eachnomineemaynameascrutineertooverseethevotecount;and
(f)votingforeachposition,excepttheDirectorsatLarge,willbebyasimplemajorityvoteonaseparateballot.
3.03TheelectedMembersoftheBoardofDirectorswillbe:
(a)President.
(b)VicePresident.
(c)Secretary.
(d)Treasurer.
(e)five(5)DirectorsatLarge.
(f)subjecttotheprovisionsofArticle15,uptofourteen(14)RegionalDirectors,electedorappointedinaccordance
withArticle3.06.
3.04TheotherMembersoftheBoardofDirectorswillbe:
(a)Leader.
(b)CaucusRepresentative.
(c)ImmediatePastPresident.
(d)EithertheChairorCoChairoftheStandingCommittees.
(e)IfandwhenformedinaccordancewithArticle16,thePresidentsoftheYouthandWomen’sAssociations.
3.05ThefollowingOfficers/DirectorswillbeelectedateachAGM;
(a)President,VicePresident,SecretaryandTreasurerwillbeelectedconsecutively,startingwiththePresident,each
withasimplemajorityvoteonasecretballot.
(b)thefive(5)DirectorsatLargewillbeonone(1)ballotwiththefive(5)Candidatesachievingthehighestnumber
ofvotesbeingelected.
3.06TheelectionoftheRegionalDirectors;
(a)theRegionalDirectorswillbechosenbytheCAPresidentsintheirregionintheimmediatefortyfive(45)days
priortotheAGM.
(b)if,duringthetermofaRegionalDirector,avacancyshouldoccur,theCAPresidentsintheRegionshall,within30
days,conveneandelectanewRegionalDirector.
(c)theProvincialBoardmayappointaRegionalDirectoraftertheAGMifaRegionalDirectorhasnotbeenchosenin
aRegioninaccordancewiththisArticle3.06bytheCAPresidentsintheRegion.
(d)theRegionalDirectorswillbevotingMembersoftheBoard.
ARTICLE4STRUCTUREANDRESPONSIBILITIESOFTHEBOARDOFDIRECTORSANDMANAGEMENTCOMMITTEE.
4.01AManagementCommitteewillbeestablishedandshallbecomprisedofthefollowing:
(a)theLeaderorhis/herappointee.
(b)President.
(c)VicePresident.
(d)Secretary.
(e)Treasurer.
(f)thefive(5)DirectorsatLarge.
4.02TheManagementCommitteeshall;
(a)overseethedaytodayoperationsoftheParty;
(b)holdatleastone(1)monthlymeeting,withminutesofeachmeetingtobedistributedtoallBoardMembers
withinfourteen(14)daysofeachmeeting;
(c)holdquarterlyBoardofDirectors’meetingswiththeentiremembershipoftheBoardwithnotlessthantwo(2)of
thesebeingfacetoface.
BCCPDraftConstitutionandByLaws–April2015 Page5
(d)aquorumforameetingoftheManagementCommitteeshallbenotlessthanfive(5)innumber,two(2)ofwhom
mustbethePresident,theVicePresident,theSecretaryortheTreasurer.
4.03ThePresidentshall:
(a)callandpresideoverManagementCommitteemeetingsandBoardofDirectors’meetings;
(b)presideoverAGMsandSGMs;
(c)supervisetheaffairsofthePartyandberesponsibleforthedaytodayoperationoftheParty,including
supervisionofthePartyheadquarters,andallotheradministrativeandoperationalmatters.
(d)coordinatetheconductofelectioncampaignswiththeElectionReadinessCommittee,and,
(e)beanexofficioMemberofallCommitteeswithintheParty.
4.04TheVicePresidentshall:
(a)assumeandperformthedutiesofthePresidentinhis/herabsence;
(b)assistthePresidentinallmatters;
(c)assumetheofficeofthePresidentiftheofficebecomesvacant.
4.05TheSecretaryshall:
(a)keeprecordsofallBoardofDirectorsmeetings,AGMsandSGMsmeetingsandallManagementCommittee
meetings;
(b)keeprecordsofdecisionsandresolutionsmadeonbehalfofthePartybytheBoardofDirectors,PartyOfficials
andothers;
(c)providebyemail,byregularmailorfaxtheminutesandresolutionsofallBoardmeetings,theAGMand/orSGM,
andanyactionrequiredtoeachBoardMemberwithinfourteen(14)daysofanysuchmeeting.
4.06TheTreasurershall:
(a)beresponsibleforoverseeingtheprudentfinancialadministrationoftheParty.
(b)ensurethatnodisbursementismadewithoutauthorizationoftheManagementCommitteeand/ortheBoardof
Directors.
(c)presentaccuratefinancialstatementstotheAnnualGeneralMeetingsoftheParty;
(d)presentbudgetsasaguideforexpendituresfortheensuingyearorforspecificprojectsandmattersasmaybe
requiredbytheManagementCommitteeandBoardofDirectors;
(e)endeavortoensurethateachConstituencyAssociationprovidesafinancialreportasrequiredunderArticle13.02.
4.07ThePastPresidentisthePresidentholdingofficeprevioustothecurrentPresident.
4.08TheDirectorsatLargeshall:
(a)serveontheManagementCommitteeandundertakesuchdutiesasmaybeassignedtoassistinthefunctioning
oftheCommitteeandtheParty.
4.09TheRegionalDirectorsshall:
(a)coordinate,organizeandinallwaysfoster,assistandpromotethegrowthandwellbeingoftheCA’sinthe
regiontheyrepresent;
(b)forwardandinallwaysrepresenttheconcerns,suggestions,ideasandinnovationsoftheCA’sintheirrespective
regionsintheircapacityasvotingMembersoftheBoardofDirector.
ARTICLE5ADDITIONALDUTIESOFTHEBOARDOFDIRECTORS
5.01TheBoardofDirectorsmay,byatwothirds(2/3)voteoftheentireBoard,fillanyvacantelectedofficeasdescribedin
Article3.
5.02TheBoardofDirectorsmaydeemanelectedofficedescribedinArticle3vacantiftheOfficer/Directormissesthree(3)
consecutivemeetingsoftheBoardofDirectorswithoutreasonablecause.
5.03TheBoardofDirectorsmayappointtheTreasureroranyotherPartyMemberingoodstandingastheParty’sFinancial
AgenttoactinaccordancewiththerequirementsofElectionsBCandthestatutesrelatingthereto.SubjecttoArticle
13.10,thisshallincludethesupervisionandoverseeingofthefilingofthenecessaryreturnsbyCA’swhohavecompleted
formalregistrationwithElectionsBC.
5.04TheBoardofDirectorsshall,byatwothirds(2/3)voteoftheentireBoard,appointnotlessthantwo(2),butnotmore
thanfour(4),PrincipalOfficerstorepresentthePartywiththeChiefElectoralOfficerandElectionsBCwithpowertoissue
BCCPDraftConstitutionandByLaws–April2015 Page6
writtenendorsementsofCandidateswhomayrepresentthePartyinelectionsorbyelectionsforMembersofthe
LegislativeAssemblyofBritishColumbia,inaccordancewithSection60oftheElectionAct.
5.05OtherCommitteeChairsappointedinaccordancewithArticle7andMLAsmayattendBoardofDirectors’meetingsbythe
invitationofthePresidentasnonvotingMembers.
5.06OnlytheManagementCommitteemayborrowmoneyorincuracontractualobligationonbehalfoftheParty.Loansor
contractualobligationsunder$5,000.00maybeapprovedbyasimplemajorityvoteoftheManagementCommittee.
5.07Loansorcontractualobligationsover$5,000.00requireavoteoftwothirds(2/3)oftheentireBoardforapproval,priorto
commitmentoftheloanorcontractualobligation.
5.08NotwithstandingArticle5.06and5.07,theManagementCommitteemayincurobligationsonbehalfofthePartywherethe
amountsareinabudgetapprovedbytheBoardofDirectors.
5.09TheTreasurer,togetherwitheitherthePresident,VicePresidentorSecretary,maysignfortheParty’sbankaccount.
Underextraordinarycircumstances,theBoardofDirectorsmaydesignateanotherBoardMembertoserveasasigning
authority.
5.10ThequorumforaBoardofDirectorsmeetingshallbe50%ofthetotalnumberofBoardMembers.
5.11TheBoardofDirectors,StandingCommitteesandSpecialCommitteesareauthorizedtomeetbytelephoneconferenceor
throughotherelectroniccommunicationsmediasolongasallMembersareabletocommunicatewitheachotherduring
themeeting.
5.12MeetingsoftheentireBoardofDirectorswillbeheldatthecallofthePresidentandwillbeheldatleasteverythree(3)
monthstoconductthebusinessoftheParty.Provided,however:
(a)amajorityofvotingBoardMembersmaycallaBoardmeetingwithfourteen(14)cleardays’noticewithan
agendaincludedinthenotice,and,
(b)anymeetingcalledwithlessthanfourteen(14)cleardays’noticewithanagendaincludedinthenoticeshall
requiretwothirds(2/3)oftheBoardMemberstoapproveofthemeetinginordertoproceedwiththemeeting.
5.13ADirectorparticipatinginameetinginaccordancewithArticle5.11isdeemedforallpurposestobepresentatthe
meeting.
5.14TheBoardofDirectorsmay,byatwothirds(2/3)majorityofthosepresentataBoardmeeting,censureorsuspendfor
reasonablecause,anyoneofitsMembers,otherthantheLeaderorCaucusRepresentative.
5.15TheBoardofDirectorsmay,fromtimetotime,betweenBoardmeetings,makedecisionsbywayofanemailvote.All
individualvotesshallbedisclosedtoallBoardMembersandallsuchvotesshallbebroughtforwardinminuteformfor
confirmationatthenextsubsequentBoardmeeting.
5.16ThoseoccupyingaBoardofDirectorspositionmustremainneutralduringelectioncontestsatalllevelsandmayonly
publiclyendorseandsupportBCConservativePartyCandidatesseekingelectionasMembersoftheLegislativeAssembly
ofBritishColumbia;
5.17ThoseoccupyingaBoardofDirectorspositionmustmaintainapositionofneutralityandmaynotpubliclyendorseor
opposeanyCandidateseekingtheleadershipoftheBCConservativeParty;
5.18ItistheresponsibilityofincomingandoutgoingOfficersandDirectorstoworktogethertoensureasmooth,efficientand
timelytransitionofdutiesandauthorities;
5.19Withinfourteen(14)daysofleavingofficeanOfficerorDirectormustturnoverallPartyaccounts,documents,records,
property,ormaterialacquiredduringthecourseofdutiestotheirsucceedingOfficerorBoardMember,or,intheabsence
ofsuchaposition,thePartyPresident.
ARTICLE6STANDINGCOMMITTEES.
6.01ThePartyshallhavethefollowing“StandingCommittees”,theChairmanandMembersofwhichwillbeestablishedbythe
BoardofDirectorsinconsultationwiththeLeader.Theseare:
(a)theElectionReadinessCommittee:and,
(b)theFinanceCommittee.
6.02TheElectionReadinessCommitteewillconsistof:
(a)theChairorCoChairs,asappointedbytheLeader,inconsultationwiththePresident;
(b)thePresident;and,
BCCPDraftConstitutionandByLaws–April2015 Page7
(c)otherMembersasappointedbytheChairorCoChairsinconsultationwiththeLeaderandthePartyManagement
CommitteeandapprovedbytheBoardofDirectors.
6.03TheElectionReadinessCommitteewill:
(a)prepareandimplementstrategicorganizationalandelectionplans;
(b)setthedates,location,noticerequirements,votingmethodsandotherproceduresforCandidateselection
meetings,whichmayincludenoticeorvotingbyelectronicmeans,mailinballots,orotherrepresentative
methods;
(c)willadvisepotentialCandidatesoflegalrequirementsofbeingaCandidate;
(d)maycallaCandidateSelectionMeetingifaConstituencyAssociationhasfailedtodoso.
6.04Specifically,theElectionReadinessCommitteemayestablishasubcommitteeasaCandidateReviewCommitteeforthe
purposeofestablishingproceduresforreviewingapplicationsfromnominationcontestantswhowishtobeCandidatesfor
thePartyinconstituenciesinprovincialgeneralelectionsorbyelections.Suchasubcommittee,ifestablished,shall:
(a)establishreasonablecriteriafornominationcontestantstoestablishtheirsuitabilitytorepresentthePartyas
Candidates;and,
(b)whereanapprovedConstituencyAssociationisestablishedintheConstituencywhereanominationcontestant
wishestotakepartintheConstituencynominationprocess,workwithandinallwaysinvolvetheConstituency
President,and,ifappointed,theConstituencySearchCommittee,inthereviewandanyinterviewprocess;and,
(c)inanyevent,inallwaysinvolvetheRegionalDirectoroftheRegioninwhichtheConstituencyissituatewherethe
nominationcontestantwishestoseeknominationtobeaCandidatefortheParty,inthereviewandanyinterview
process.
6.05OncetheElectionReadinessCommitteehasproperlycompletedthestepsoutlinedinArticle6.04above,andaCandidate
hasbeeneitheracceptedorrejectedasasuitableCandidatetorepresenttheParty,thisdecisionisfinalandbindingonall
concernedandisnotsubjecttotheappealprocessinaccordancewithArticles17and18.
6.06TheElectionReadinessCommitteemaydelegateanyofitsotherdutiesandpowersunderSection6.03(a)toasub
committeeappointedbytheElectionReadinessCommitteeatitssolediscretion.ThisshallincludesuchasaMediaand
PublicityCommittee,aCandidateSearchCommittee,aStrategicPlanningCommittee,aPlatformCommitteeandothers.
6.07TheFinanceCommitteewillconsistof:
(a)theChairorCoChairs,asappointedbytheLeader,inconsultationwiththePresident;
(b)thePresident;
(c)theLeaderordesignate;
(d)theTreasurer;
(e)theFinancialAgent(orinthecasewhentheTreasurerandFinancialAgentareoneandthesame,aDeputy
FinancialAgentappointedbytheTreasurer);and
(f)otherMembers,asappointedbytheChairorCoChairsinconsultationwiththeLeaderandtheParty
ManagementCommitteeandapprovedbytheBoardofDirectors.
6.08EachStandingCommitteewillestablishitsownruleswithrespecttoquorum,noticeofmeeting,andotherprocedural
mattersforconductingthebusinessoftheStandingCommittee.
6.09AresolutionofaStandingCommitteeisapprovedifthemajorityofthevotingMembersoftheStandingCommitteewho
arepresentatthemeetingvoteinfavouroftheresolution.
6.10AresolutionofaStandingCommitteemaybeapprovedinwritingbyamajorityofthevotingMembersoftheStanding
CommitteeaslongasthenoticeoftheresolutionisgiventoallMembersoftheStandingCommitteebeforeitbecomes
effective.
6.11Bybudgetdeadlineofeachyear,atatimesetbythePartyTreasurer,theChairorCoChairsofeachStandingCommittee
willsubmittothePartyTreasurerapreliminarybudgetfortheestimatedexpendituresoftheStandingCommitteeforthe
followingyear.
ARTICLE7GENERALCOMMITTEESANDCOMMITTEECHAIRS.
7.01TheBoardofDirectorsshallappointadditionalcommitteeswhenrequestedbytheManagementCommitteeand/orwhen
itdeemstheyarerequired.Suchadditionalcommitteesshallinclude:
BCCPDraftConstitutionandByLaws–April2015 Page8
(a)APolicyandResearchCommittee.ThepurposeofthisCommitteeistheoverseeingthedevelopmentoftheParty
Policies.ThePolicyandResearchCommitteeshallincludetheLeaderandMembersknowledgeableinvarious
fieldsofexpertiserelatingtopolicyissues.TheCommitteeshallassistinestablishingandcoordinatingPolicy
CommitteesintheCA’sandotheraffiliatedorganizationsthatmaybeestablishedasprovidedintheseByLaws.
(i)ThePolicyCommitteeshallreporttotheBoardofDirectorsnotlessthan60daysbeforethedateof
theAGMofthePartyanditsrecommendationsshallbepresentedtotheAGMofthePartyfor
considerationandadoption.AnysuchrecommendationsshallbepostedonthePartyinternet
websiteatleast30dayspriortotheAGM.Inaddition,attheoptionoftheBoard,anysuch
recommendationsmaybemailedtoPartyMembersalongwiththemeetingnoticeatleast45days
priortotheAGM.
(b)ANominatingCommittee.ThepurposeofthisCommitteeistoidentifyandnominateCandidatesforinternal
Partyelections.TheCommitteewillseektoidentifypersonswithspecificexpertiserequiredbythevarious
ManagementCommitteepositions.WhiletheCommitteeshallhaveregardtosuchasregional,gender,ageand
othersimilarconsiderations,theprimemotivationshallbetheexperienceandcompetencytheManagement
Committeepositionrequires.Suchexpertisecouldincludefinancial,legal,administrative,communicationsand/or
politicalexperienceandleadershipandteambuildingskills.Further,theirneedstobeawillingnessandabilityto
contributesignificantamountsoftimeandenergytotheaffairsoftheParty.
(i)TheChairofthisCommitteeshallbeappointedfromtheBoardofDirectorsandshallbesomeone
whodoesnotintendtorunforofficeatthenextAGM.ThebalanceoftheCommitteeshallbenon
BoardMembersofexperiencewhoalsocannotbeCandidatesfortheManagementCommitteeinthe
nextAGM.
(ii)TheNominatingCommitteeshallbeappointedbytheBoardofDirectorsontherecommendationof
theManagementCommitteeandshallbeappointednotlessthanthree(3)monthspriortothe
scheduleddateforthenextPartyAGM.TheChairoftheNominatingCommitteeshallChairthe
electionprocessatthenextPartyAGM.
(c)AConstitutionandBylawReviewCommittee.ThepurposeofthisCommitteeistoreviewtheexistingParty
ConstitutionandByLawstorecommendimprovementsfortheeffectiveadministrationoftheParty.Itshall
includeaChairandnotlessthantwo(2)otherMembers.ItshallreporttotheBoardofDirectorsnotlessthan
sixty(60)dayspriortothenextAGM.ThisCommitteeisdetailedandspecifiedfurtherinArticle10.
(d)AMembershipCommittee.ThepurposeofthisCommitteeistoadministerthemembershiplist,notifyexpiring
Members,seekmembershiprenewals,andindoingsoliaisewithCAMembershipCommitteeChairsandotherCA
OfficersandDirectorsaswellasRegionalDirectorsincarryingoutoftheirduties.FurthertoassisttheTreasurer
intheissuanceofincometaxreceiptsfordonationsandremittancestoCAsandotherauthorizedassociations,
advisetheBoardofDirectorsastotheuseofthemembershiplist,andwithoutlimitingtheforegoingtoinall
waysactivelypromotetheincreaseofmembershipinthePartyandcarryoutwhatotherdutiesmightbeassigned
toitfromtimetotimebytheBoardofDirectors.
(e)AnyothercommitteesuggestedbytheManagementCommitteeanddeemednecessarybytheBoardofDirectors
toimplementthegoalsandactivitiesoftheParty.
ARTICLE8ANNUALGENERALMEETINGS.(AGMs).
8.01TheBoardofDirectorswillcallanAGMwithinfifteen(15)monthsbutnotmorethansix(6)monthsaftertheprevious
AGM.Thereshallbefortyfive(45)days’noticeofanAGMinwritingandsentbyposttothemembership.TheBoardof
Directors,inadditiontothiswrittennotice,shallsendatleastone(1)emailremindertoMemberswhohaveprovidedthe
Partywithemailaddressesnotlessthantwentyone(21)dayspriortothedateoftheAGMandshallpostanoticeonthe
Partyinternetwebsiteassoonaspossibleafterthepostingoftheformalwrittennotice.
8.02ThepurposeoftheAGMistoelectaBoardofDirectors,topresentandapprovetheFinancialReport,tohearandapprove
ofreportsfromtheoutgoingBoardofDirectorsandCommitteesandtoundertakesuchotherbusinessasisnecessary.
8.03VotingdelegateswillconsistofallMembersingoodstandingwhoareinattendance.Therewillbenovotingbyproxyat
anyAGMorSGM.
BCCPDraftConstitutionandByLaws–April2015 Page9
8.04AnyMemberwhoisnotingoodstandingbutwhopaystheprescribedfeemayattendbutmaynotvote.Memberswho
renewtheirmembershipwithinninety(90)daysafterithasexpiredwillimmediatelybeconsideredMembersingood
standingandwillbeeligibletovoteattheAGMoranSGMorfortheelectionofaLeader.
8.05ThequorumforanAGMwillbefifty(50)registeredMembersingoodstandinginattendance.
8.06IntheeventofaPartyLeadershipElectionoraProvincialGeneralElectionhavingbeenheldwithinacalendaryear,the
BoardofDirectorsmay,subjecttotheapprovaloftheRegistrarofCompanies,delaytheAGMtoamaximumofone
hundredandtwenty(120)days.
8.07TheannualyearendforfilingAnnualFinancialReportswillcomplywithElectionsBCregulations.
8.08AsimplymajoritywilldecideallresolutionsvotedonattheAGMunlessotherwiseprovidedforinthePartyConstitution
andByLaws.
8.09ThePresident(Chair)willhavesolediscretiontoacceptanyresolutionsfromthefloorattheAGM.
ARTICLE9SPECIALGENERALMEETINGs.(SGMs).
9.01TheBoardofDirectorsmaycallaSGM.
(a)TheattendancerequirementsandquorumwillbeasdescribedinArticle8relatingtoAGMs.
(b)TheBoardshallstatethepurpose,dateandlocationofthesaidmeetinginthenotice.
(c)AswithanAGM,fortyfive(45)days’noticeinwritingtothemembershipisrequiredaswellastherequirements
astowebpostingandemailreminder.
9.02Requisitions.
(a)Inthissection,“requisitionists”shallmeanthevotingMemberswhorequisitionaSGMofthePartyunder
subsection(b).
(b)TheBoardofDirectors,ontherequisitionoftenpercent(10%)ormoreofthevotingMembersoftheParty,must
conveneageneralmeetingofthePartywithintwentyone(21)daystobeheldwithinfour(4)monthsafterthe
dateofthedeliveryoftherequisition.
(c)Therequisitionmayconsistofseveraldocumentsinsimilarformeachsignedbyone(1)ormoreofthe
requisitionistsandmuststatethepurposeoftheSGM,besignedbytherequisitionistsandbedeliveredorsentby
registeredmailtotheaddressoftheParty.
(d)If,withintwentyone(21)daysafterthedateofdeliveryoftherequisition,theDirectorsdonotconveneaSGM,
therequisitionists,oramajorityofthem,maythemselvesconveneageneralmeetingtobeheldwithinfour(4)
monthsafterthedateofthedeliveryoftherequisition.
(e)ASGMconvenedbytherequisitionists,mustbeconvenedinthesamemanner,asnearlyaspossible,asAGMsare
convenedbytheDirectors.
ARTICLE10CONSTITUTIONALAMENDMENTSANDPOLICYRESOLUTIONS.
10.01FurthertotheprovisionofArticle7,aConstitutionandBylawReviewCommitteeandaPolicyandResearchCommittee
willbeestablishedbytheBoardofDirectorstoacceptandconsideramendmentsfromCAsandPartyMembersandto
recommendpossiblechangesandclarificationsaftersuchconsiderationsprovided:
(a)AllproposedamendmentstotheConstitution,ByLawsandPoliciesmustbereceivedbytheConstitutionandBy
lawReviewCommitteeandthePolicyandResearchCommitteenotlessthanninety(90)dayspriortoanAGMor
SGM.
(b)TheCommitteeswillcompile,organizeandconsidertheproposedamendmentsandforwardthemwith
recommendationstotheBoardofDirectorsnotlessthansixty(60)dayspriortotheAGMorSGM.
(c)AnysuchproposedamendmentstotheConstitutionandByLawsmustbeincluded,inwrittenform,withthe
formalnoticeoftheAGMorSGMandmeetthetimerequirementsfornoticeassetoutinArticles8and9.
10.02ProposedamendmentstotheConstitutionandByLawsandPolicieswillbepostedontheParty’swebsitenolaterthan
thirty(30)dayspriortoanAGMorSGM.
BCCPDraftConstitutionandByLaws–April2015 Page10
10.03TheConstitutionandBylawReviewCommitteeChairshallpresenttheproposedchangestotheConstitutionandByLaws
totheattendeesattheAGMorSGMtobevotedonasaspecialresolutionrequiringaseventyfivepercent(75%)majority
voteoftheMemberspresentforadoption.
10.04ThePolicyandResearchCommitteeChairshallpresenttheproposedchangestotheattendeesatanAGMtobevotedon
asanordinaryresolutionrequiringasimplemajorityvotefiftypercentplusone(50%+1)oftheMemberspresentfor
adoption.
ARTICLE11THELEADER.
11.01ADeputyLeadermaybeappointedbytheLeader.TheDeputyLeadermaybedismissedbytheLeaderatanytime.A
DeputyLeaderinplaceatthetimeaLeaderstepsdownshallalsostepdown.
11.02TheLeadercanonlyberemovedfromofficebyresignation,death,incapacitation,orthevoteofsixtypercent(60%)of
thePartyMembersingoodstandingwhovoteinauniversalmailinballot.
11.03Uponthedeath,resignation,incapacitation,ortheelectedLeader’sremovalbyavoteoftheMembers,theBoardof
DirectorsshallcallaspecialLeadershipElectionwithintwelve(12)monthsandshallprovideaminimumoffortyfive(45)
days’noticetoallthemembershipadvisingoftheprovisionsoftheLeadershipElection.TheBoardofDirectors,atits
discretion,mayextendthedate.
11.04TherewillbeaLeadershipReviewVotebiannuallyunless:
(a)theBCConservativePartyformthegovernment,or
(b)therehasbeenaLeadershipElectionwithinthetwelvemonthspriortotheAGMbeingheld.Insuchacasethe
LeadershipReviewVotewilltakeplaceatthefollowingAGM.
11.05ThisLeadershipReviewVotewillbeundertakenasfollows:
(a)allMembersingoodstandingwillreceiveamailinballotwiththeofficialAGMnotice;
(b)theMemberswillbeaskedthequestion,“AreyouinfavourofaLeadershipReview?YesorNo?”;
(c)thecompletedballotsinsecurityenvelopeswillbedeliveredtotheattentionofanimpartialthirdpartyas
appointedbytheBoardofDirectorsandmustbereceivedbeforetheAGM.TheBoardofDirectorsandthe
impartialthirdpartymusthavesecurearrangementsinplacetoguaranteeanindependentandfairvoteandvote
count.
(d)completedballotsmaybedeliveredinpersontotheAGMbeforethecommencementofthemeeting;and,
(e)iftheresultsoftheLeadershipReviewVoteshowsthatsixtypercent(60%)ofthemembershipwishesa
LeadershipConvention,theBoardofDirectorswillarrangeaLeadershipElectionasdescribedinArticle12.
11.06TheLeadershall:
(a)upholdanddefendtheParty’sConstitutionandByLawsatalltimesandshallserveasthecatalystinmaintaining
unityandharmonyintheParty.
(b)bethechiefpoliticalspokespersonofthePartyand,subjecttotheauthorityoftheAGM,shallinterprettothe
publicthepoliciesoftheParty.
(c)sincethisPartyoperatessolelyintheProvinceofBritishColumbia,totakecaretoconfinecomments,policies,
opinionsandactionstoprovincialissuesunlesstheseexternalissuesarereasonablyintegratedintofieldsof
provincialinterest.
(d)maintainapositionofneutralityduringelectionorpoliticalnominationcontestsandonlypubliclyendorseand
supportBCConservativePartyCandidatesseekingelectionasMembersoftheLegislativeAssemblyofBritish
Columbia.
ARTICLE12ELECTIONOFALEADER.
12.01UponthecallingofaLeadershipElection,theLeadershallstepdown.
12.02TheBoardofDirectorsmayappointanInterimLeadertoactuntiltheelectionofthenewLeaderiscompleted.AnInterim
LeadermaynotbeaLeadershipCandidate.
BCCPDraftConstitutionandByLaws–April2015 Page11
12.03ACandidateforLeadermustbeaMemberingoodstandingwhoiseligibletovoteinaccordancewiththeBritish
ColumbiaElectionAct.AnyBoardMemberwhodecidestoparticipateasaLeadershipCandidatemustimmediatelyresign
theirBoardposition.
12.04TheBoardofDirectorsshall,eitherbeforethecallingofaLeadershipElection,orimmediatelyafter,establishan
independentandimpartialsubcommitteeasaCandidateReviewCommitteeforthepurposeofestablishingcriteriafor
andundertakingareviewofeachpotentialLeadershipCandidatetoestablishtheirsuitabilityfortheLeader’sposition.
ThissubcommitteeshallsubmititsreportoneachpotentialCandidateonaconfidentialbasistotheBoardofDirectors.
TheBoardofDirectorsshalldecideonthemeritsofthesubcommittee’sreportsinaconfidentialandan“incamera”
session.AllapprovalsofCandidatesmustreceiveatwothirds(2/3)majorityoftheentireBoardofDirectorsandshallbe
finalandbinding.
12.05TheBoardofDirectorsmayalsoprescribefurtherregulationsgoverningLeadershipElections,votingproceduresand
decidetheamountofthenominationfeefortheCandidates.
12.06CandidatesforLeadermustbenominatedbyatleastfifty(50)PartyMembers.Nominationpaperswill:
(a)beprescribedbytheBoardofDirectors;
(b)includethenominatingMember’sname,addressandsignature;
(c)besubmittedtotheTreasurersixty(60)daysinadvanceoftheLeadershipElectiondatetogetherwiththe
nominationfee;and,
(d)MembersoftheBoardofDirectorsmaynotsignthenominationpapersofanyCandidateandanysuchsignatures
willberejectedasinvalid.
12.07Oncenominationshaveclosed,ifthereisacontestbetweentwo(2)ormoreCandidatesforLeader,theBoardof
DirectorsmustappointanimpartialthirdpartywhowillbeappointedasReturningOfficerfortheelectionprocess.The
BoardofDirectorsmustthenassisttheReturningOfficerinallwaystoguaranteeanindependentandfairelectionanda
totallyfree,fairandindependentvotecount.
12.08VotingproceduresforelectionofaLeader.
(a)Intheeventthereisonlyone(1)CandidateforLeader,electionshallbebyacclamation.
(b)Intheeventthereismorethanone(1)Candidate,votingwillbebyuniversalballot,withballotsmailedatleast
twentyone(21)dayspriortotheLeadershipConventiontoeveryMemberingoodstandingwhowillbeingood
standingasofthedateoftheConvention.BallotsmaybereturnedbymailordeliveredtotheLeadership
Convention.BallotsmustbereceivedbythePartypriortooratthetimeoftheConventioninadvanceofthevote
cutofftimeinordertobecounted.
(c)Votingwillbeasfollows:
(i)eachMemberingoodstandingwillhaveone(1)vote;
(ii)eachMemberingoodstandingwillbemailedasecretballot;
(iii)eachelectoralconstituencywillbeallottedonehundred(100)pointsexceptthatelectoral
constituencieswithlessthanonehundred(100)Membersingoodstandingasatthedateofthevote
countshallbeallocatedthenumberofpointsthatisequaltothenumberofitsMembersingood
standing.
(iv)theballotswillbereturnedbymailinsecurityenvelopes,sortedbyelectoralconstituencyand
deliveredunopenedtotheLeadershipConvention;
(v)theballotswillbeopenedandcountedattheConventioninthepresenceofscrutineersappointedby
eachCandidate;and,
(vi)theLeadershipCandidateswillbeassignedapointtotalbasedontheirpercentageofthevotein
eachelectoralconstituency.
(vii)towintheleadership,aCandidatemustobtainamajorityofpointsfromacrosstheprovince.
(viii)votingwillbebypreferentialvote(singletransferableballot).
(ix)ateachcountround,boththeweightedresultsandtheresultsbyelectoralconstituencyshallbe
madepublic
12.09DuringthetimeofaLeadershipElection,MembersoftheBoardofDirectorswhomustremainneutral,andanyMember
whocompromisesthatneutralitybyopenlyorpubliclyendorsingorsupportingaLeadershipCandidatemustresignfrom
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theBoardofDirectors.OncethenewLeaderisselected,allremainingMembersmustagreetofullysupportthenew
LeaderorresignfromtheBoardofDirectors.
ARTICLE13CONSTITUENCYASSOCIATIONS(CAs).
13.01SubjecttospecialareaorregionalarrangementsthathavebeenauthorizedinaccordancewithArticle14,thereshallbe
one(1)ConstituencyAssociationestablishedforeachprovincialelectoraldistrict.
13.02TheBoardofDirectorsmayrecognizeaConstituencyAssociationthat:
(a)allowstheparticipationofallPartyMembersresidentinthatconstituency;
(b)activelysupportstheParty’sConstitutionandByLaws;
(c)holdsatleastone(1)AGMofMembersineachcalendaryearfortheelectionofDirectorsand/orOfficersand
otherbusinessandgivesatleastthirty(30)days’noticeofsuchmeetingtoallcurrentMembersinthatCA;
(d)adoptsaConstitutionandByLawsinaformatagreedtoandauthorizedbytheBoardofDirectors;and,
(e)hasatleastsix(6)residentMembersingoodstanding.
13.03OnlyaConstituencyAssociationthathasbeenapprovedbyavoteoftheBoardofDirectorswillbearecognized
ConstituencyAssociationsoftheParty.
13.04NoMembercanbeanOfficerorDirectorof,orontheExecutiveof,oraMemberofmorethanone(1)Constituency
Association.
13.05IfaConstituencyAssociationhasnotelectedaCandidateforaProvincialGeneralElectionoraProvincialByelectionwho
hadbeenapprovedbythePartyasaCandidateforsuchGeneralElectionorByelection,theBoardofDirectorsmay;
(a)callorrecallaNominatingMeeting,or,
(b)appointanofficialPartyCandidate.
13.06Iftheboundariesorexistenceofelectoraldistrictschange,theBoardofDirectors,maytakeanyofthefollowingactions
atanytimebeforeorafterthechangecomesintoeffect:
(a)assignanexistingConstituencyAssociationtoanewelectoraldistrict;
(b)establishanewConstituencyAssociationforanewelectoraldistrictunderparagraph13.07ofthisArticle;
(c)eliminateanexistingConstituencyAssociationanddistributeitsassetsandliabilitiesamongoneormore
ConstituencyAssociations,afterconsultationwithsuchConstituencyAssociations.
13.07AfterestablishinganewConstituencyAssociationunderparagraph13.06ofthisArticle,theBoardofDirectorsmustcalla
generalmeetingofthenewConstituencyAssociationtoelectaConstituencyAssociationBoardofDirectorsandgiveeach
MemberoftheConstituencyAssociationatleastthirty(30)days’notice.
13.08ThePartyisnotresponsibleforanydebtincurredbyaConstituencyAssociationunlessthedebtisapprovedbytheBoard
ofDirectorsandawrittennoticeofsuchapprovalhasbeendeliveredbyPartyheadquarterstotheConstituency
Associationbeforethedebtisincurred.
13.09AConstituencyAssociationmaynotregisterasaConstituencyAssociationorforanyotherstatusundertheElectionAct,
unlessauthorizedtodosobythePartyboardofDirectors.
13.10AConstituencyAssociationmaynotissuereceiptsforincometaxpurposesunlessauthorizedtodosobytheBoardof
Directors.
13.11RecognizedConstituencyAssociationswillreceiveonehundredpercent(100%)ofdonationspayabletothatAssociation.
DonationsmadetothePartywillberetainedbythePartyunlessstatedtobeadonationforthebenefitofaspecific
CandidateoraspecificConstituencyAssociation.
13.12IfaConstituencyAssociationdoesnotmeetitsobligationsunderparagraph13.02ofthisArticleordoesnotfillvacancies
ontheConstituencyAssociationBoardofDirectorswithinareasonabletime,theBoardofDirectorsmay:
(a)callandrunanAnnualGeneralMeetingorspecialgeneralmeetingoftheConstituencyAssociation;
(b)removesomeoforalloftheMembersoftheConstituencyAssociationOfficersand/orBoardofDirectors;and
(c)fillanyvacancyorappointareplacementforapositionontheConstituencyAssociationOfficersorBoardof
Directors.
BCCPDraftConstitutionandByLaws–April2015 Page13
ARTICLE14REGIONALORGANIZATIONSANDCOMBINEDASSOCIATIONS.
14.01TheBoardofDirectorsmay,uponapplicationfromtwo(2)ormoreConstituencyAssociations,authorizetheirdissolution
andtheformationofaCombinedConstituencyAssociationwhichshallembracethemembershipsofthecomponent,
precedentassociations,butwhichwillinallrespects,functionasone(1)Association.
14.02TheBoardofDirectorsmay,uponapplicationfromtwo(2)ormoreAssociations,authorizetheformationofanArea
Council,whichshallconsistofdelegatesfromthecomponentAssociations,whichshallcoordinateactivitiesoftheParty
onamunicipalorregionalbasis.
14.03EachRegionalorganizationorCouncilshalladoptbylawsfortheconductofregionalbusiness.Allsuchbylawsandall
suchamendmentsthere,mustbeartheapprovaloftheBoardofDirectorsandnobylawsoramendmentsthereto,shall
bevalidwithoutsuchapproval.
ARTICLE15CONSTITUENCIESANDREGIONS.
15.01TheelectoraldistrictsinBritishColumbiashallbedividedintonotlessthaneight(8)andnotmorethanfourteen(14)
Regions.
15.02HavingregardtotheprovisionsofArticle14andtoeffectiveorganizationandadministration,thenumberofRegionsand
theallocationoftheelectoraldistrictstotheRegionsshallbeundertakenbytheBoardofDirectors.
15.03Initially,thereshallbefourteen(14)Regions,asfollows:
1.VancouverIslandSouth.
2.VancouverIslandNorth.
3.NorthShoreSunshineCoast.
4.Vancouver.
5.RichmondDelta.
6.Surrey.
7.BurnabyNewWestminsterandtheTriCities.
8.FraserValley.
9.OkanaganShuswap.
10.KamloopsNicola.
11.Kootenays.
12.PrinceGeorgeCariboo.
13.NorthWest.
14.PeaceRiver.
15.04AnyreductionofthenumberofRegionstoanumberlessthanfourteen(14)shallonlybeundertakenbytheBoardof
DirectorsafterdetaileddiscussionswiththePartyMembersandtheOfficersandDirectorsofanyConstituency
AssociationslocatedintheRegionstobeeffected.
ARTICLE16ADDITIONALPROVINCIALASSOCIATIONS.
16.01IfapprovedbytheBoardofDirectors,thePartymay,byOrdinaryResolutionatanAGM,createadditionalProvincial
Associationsthatwill:
(a)representandpromotetheinterestsofasegmentofthepopulationofBritishColumbia.
(b)withoutlimitingtheforegoing,thePartyAGMmayconsiderauthorizingtheformationofProvincialAssociations
thatwouldrepresenttheinterestsofouryouth,ourseniors,ourwomen,ouraboriginalpeople,ourPartydonors
and/orthosewithotherspecificinterestssuchasinpolicyfieldsrelatedtohealth,education,propertyrights,
individualcitizen’srights,municipalissuesandgeneralgoodgovernanceasexamples.
(c)havepurposesandprinciplesthatareconsistentwith,andengageitsMembersinactivitiesthatpromoteandin
allwaysassistthepurposesandprinciplesoftheParty.
(d)adoptbylawsthatareapprovedbytheBoardofDirectorsandthataredepositedwiththePartyheadquarters.
BCCPDraftConstitutionandByLaws–April2015 Page14
(e)holdanAnnualGeneralMeetingofitsMembers,nolaterthan15monthsafterthelastsuchgeneralmeeting,
unlessalongerperiodhasbeenapprovedbytheBoardofDirectors.
(f)sendacopyoftheminutesofeachAnnualGeneralMeetingtothePartyheadquarterswithinthirty(30)daysof
holdingthemeeting.
(g)prepareannualfinancialstatementsfortheeachyearandsubmitittothePartyheadquartersbyadatesetbythe
Treasurer:and
(h)prepareabudgetforeachyear,andastatementofproposedannualactivitiesandgoalsconsistentwithits
proposedbudget,andsubmitthemtothePartyheadquartersbythebudgetdeadline.
16.02OnlyaPartyMembermaybecomeaMemberinaProvincialAssociationprovidedthattheMemberiseligiblefor
membershipunderthebylawsoftheProvincialAssociation.
16.03TheBoardofDirectorsmaysettheminimumnumberofMembersthataProvincialAssociationmusthaveinordertobe
ingoodstanding.
16.04TheBoardofDirectorsmaysuspendanyrightsofaProvincialAssociationunderthisConstitutionandByLawsiftheBoard
ofDirectorsdeterminesthattheProvincialAssociationisnotmeetingitsobligationsunderthisConstitution.
16.05Nolaterthantwo(2)yearsafterbeingsuspended,theBoardofDirectorsmayreinstateanyrightsofaProvincial
AssociationsuspendedunderthereArticle16.04iftheProvincialAssociationmeetsitsobligationsunderthisConstitution
andByLawswithinareasonabletime.
16.06AProvincialAssociationmayatanytimebedissolvedbySpecialResolutionoftheParty,orbythepassageoftime,
withoutfurtheraction,ifithasbeensuspendedunderArticle16.04foratleasttwo(2)years.
16.07ThePartyisnotresponsibleforanydebtincurredbyaProvincialAssociationunlessthedebtisapprovedbytheBoardof
DirectorsandwrittennoticeofsuchapprovalhasbeendeliveredbyPartyheadquarterstotheProvincialAssociation
beforethedebtisincurred.
16.08AProvincialAssociationmaynotissuereceiptsforincometaxpurposes.
16.09AProvincialAssociationmaynotregisterasaConstituencyAssociation,asponsor,orforanyotherstatusunderthe
ElectionActunlessauthorizedtodosobytheBoardofDirectors.
ARTICLE17APPEAL.
17.01AcomplaintmaybelodgedwiththePartyPresidentbyanyMemberorconstitutedbodyofthePartyallegingaviolation
oftheConstitutionorByLawsorastatementoractionthatmayorhasresultedinsevereandevidentinjusticeorharmto
aMemberoraconstitutedbodyofthePartyortothePartyitself.
17.02SatisfactionmustfirsthavebeensoughtunderexistingPartyproceduresandrulesoftheappropriateorganizations
beforetheappealisdirectedtothePresident.
17.03Suchcomplaintmustbeinwriting,mustsetoutthedetailsoftheactionorstatementwhichgaverisetothecomplaint,
theremedysought,andsuchevidenceasmaybepertinent.
17.04ThePresident,orpersonsappointedbythePresident,shallendeavourtoachieveanamicablesettlement.Ifthisisnot
successful,thePresident,withtheadviceoftheManagementCommittee,shallreferthedisputetothePartyMediation
CommitteetobeestablishedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofArticle18.ThePartyMediationCommitteeshall
promptlymediatethedispute,orifamediatedsolutionisnotpossible,makerecommendationsastotheappropriate
resolutionofthedisputetotheBoardofDirectors.
17.05TheBoardofDirectorsshallconsiderthematterpromptlyandcommunicatetheirdecisiontothepersons,entitiesor
organizationconcerned.Theperson,entitiesororganizationsconcernedshallthenhavethirty(30)daysfromreceivingthe
noticetoappealtotheAppealsBoardestablishedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofArticle18.TheAppealsBoardshall
determinethematteraspromptlyaspossible.
17.06TheAppealsBoardwillthenadvisetheBoardofDirectorsofitsdecision.Unlessreversedormodifiedbyathreequarters
(3/4)majorityofthefullBoardofDirectorsoftheParty,thedecisionoftheAppealsBoardwillbecomethedecisionofthe
BoardofDirectorsandwillbebindingwithnofurtherrightofappealtoanybody.
17.07TheAppealsBoardshall,initsdecision,setoutaremedy.Suchremediesmayincludereprimand,prohibitionfromseeking
Partyorpublicoffice,fines,suspensionofmembershipforuptotwo(2)yearsandcancellationofmembershipinand
expulsionfromthePartyoranyentityorassociationunderthejurisdictionorsponsorshipoftheParty.
BCCPDraftConstitutionandByLaws–April2015 Page15
17.08ItshallbeabreachoftheConstitution,PrinciplesandByLawsoftheBritishColumbiaConservativePartyforanyMember
toseekredressforanycomplaintagainstanotherMemberorbodyofthePartythroughpublicnoticeorsolicitation,or
legalredresswithoutfirstexhaustingtheproceduresoutlinedinthisArticle,andfollowingthedirectionsoftheBoardof
Directorsintheirfinaldecision.
17.09IfthecomplainttothePresidentconcernsallegationsofmalfeasancewithrespecttoPartyfundsorproperty(including
wilfulabuseorimproperpersonalprofitfromthehandlingofPartyfunds,knowingwilfulcriminalactioninthecourseof
publiclyactingontheParty’sbehalf,orsimilarseriousconduct),thepossiblepenaltyunderthispartisexpulsionfromthe
Party.
17.10TheprocedurestobefollowedunderArticle17.09arethesameasthoseunderArticles17.01to17.08,exceptthatthe
originalcomplaintmustspecificallystatethattheremedysoughtisexpulsion.FalseormaliciouscomplaintsunderArticle
17.09isabreachoftheConstitution,PrinciplesandByLawsoftheParty.
17.11Atanyhearingthecomplainantsandthedefendantsshalleachbeentitledtoone(1)representativetospeakontheir
behalf.
ARTICLE18MEDIATIONCOMMITTEEANDAPPEALSBOARD.
18.01TheBoardofDirectorsshallappointaMediationandAppealsCoordinator.ThisMediationandAppealsCoordinatorshall
beaseniorindependentandimpartialMemberofthePartywhoisnotaMemberoftheBoardofDirectors.
18.02TheMediationandAppealsCoordinatorshalladministerandinallwayscoordinatecomplaintsthatarereferredtothe
PartyMediationCommitteeand/ortheAppealsBoardbythePresident,theExecutiveCommitteeand/ortheBoardof
Directors.
18.03TheBoardofDirectors,ontheadviceoftheManagementCommitteeandtheMediationandAppealsCoordinator,shall
appointaPanelofMediatorsfromwhichaMediatororMediationCommitteeshallbechosen.ThisPanelshallbenotless
thanfive(5)innumberandshallallbeexperiencedandindependentMembersand/orsupportersofthePartywhoare
notMembersoftheBoardofDirectors.
18.04Dependingonthenatureofthecomplaint,theMediationandAppealsCoordinatorshallappointeitheranindividual
MediatororaPanelofMediatorstoattempttofindanamicablesettlement.Oncethemediationisconcluded,thereport
oftheMediatororPanelofMediatorsshallbetransmittedtothefullBoardofDirectors.
18.05TheBoardofDirectors,ontheadviceoftheManagementCommitteeandtheMediationandAppealsCoordinator,shall
alsoappointanAppealsBoard.ThisAppealsBoardshallconsistoffive(5)Membersallofwhomshallbeindependentand
impartialpersonsofhighintegrityandability.TheymaybePartyMembers,supportersortotallyneutralpersonsbutnot
MembersoftheBoardofDirectorsoranyPartyStandingCommittee.MembersoftheAppealsBoardwouldinitiallybe
appointedtoserveforatermoftwo(2)years,andsomeorallmaybereappointedforsubsequenttermsoftwo(2)years
thereafter.Onceappointed,theMembersoftheAppealsBoardshallchooseaChair.
18.06TheAppealsBoardinallitsactionsmustactinaccordancewiththePrinciplesofNaturalJustice.ThesePrinciplesof
NaturalJusticeapplyirrespectiveofanyrule(s)theAppealsBoardcreates.Withoutlimitingtheforegoingthefollowingkey
PrinciplesoffairnessandjusticemustguidealldecisionsoftheAppealsBoard,namely
(a)theparticipantsinanyhearingmusthavetherighttobeheard;theymusthaveafairopportunitytopresenttheir
casewhenevertheirinterestsmightbeadverselyaffectedbyadecision;
(b)therulingmustbemadebyaPanelfreeofbias;and,
(c)thedecisionmustbebasedonevidence,notonspeculationorsuspicion,andthedecisionmustbecommunicated
inawaythatmakesclearwhatevidencewasusedinmakingthedecision.
(d)anyhearingmust,ineveryway,be“fairplayinaction”.
18.07TheChairoftheAppealsBoard,whomayappointaDeputyChairtoperformtheChair’sdutiesintheChair’sabsence,
withtheassistanceoftheMediationandAppealsCoordinatorisresponsiblefortheeffectivemanagementandoperation
oftheAppealsBoardandtheorganizationandallocationofworkamongitsMembers.
18.08BeforeadisputecanbeheardbythePartyAppealsBoard,thecomplainantmustagreetothetermsofreferenceasset
forthbythePartyAppealsBoard.ThetermsofreferencemustbeconsistentwiththePartyConstitutionandByLawsand
includetermsofconfidentialityandthelegallybindingnatureoftheappeal.
BCCPDraftConstitutionandByLaws–April2015 Page16
18.09AllMembers,byvirtueofmembershipandArticle2.16shallbeconsideredtoconsenttothejurisdictionandauthorityof
theAppealsBoardandtheArticlessetforthintheseByLawsandinparticularthetermsofthisArticle18.
18.10TheChairoftheAppealsBoardmayorganizetheAppealsBoardintoPanels,eachcomprisedofone(1)ormoreMembers.
18.11IftheChairoftheAppealsBoardorganizesaPanelcomprisedofmorethanone(1)Member,theChairmustdesignate
one(1)ofthoseMembersasChairofthePanel.
18.12TheMembersoftheAppealsBoardmaysit:
(a)astheAppealsBoard;or
(b)asaPaneloftheAppealsBoard.
18.13Two(2)ormorePanelsoftheAppealsBoardmaysitatthesametime.
18.14IfMembersoftheAppealsBoardsitasaPanel,
(a)thePanelhasthejurisdictionof,andshallexerciseandperformthepowersanddutiesoftheAppealsBoard;and,
(b)adecisionofthePanelisadecisionoftheAppealsBoard.
18.15ThedecisionofamajorityoftheMembersofaPaneloftheAppealsBoardisadecisionoftheAppealsBoardand,inthe
caseofatie,thedecisionoftheChairofthePanelgoverns.
18.16IfaMemberofaPanelisunableforanyreasontocompletetheMember’sduties,theremainingMembersofthatPanel,
withconsentoftheChairoftheAppealsBoard,maycontinuetohearanddeterminethematter,andthevacancydoesnot
invalidatetheproceeding.
18.17IfaPaneliscomprisedofone(1)MemberofandthatMemberisunableforanyreasontocompletetheMember’sduties,
theChairoftheAppealsBoard,withtheconsentofallpartiestotheappeal,mayorganizeanewPaneltocontinuetohear
anddeterminethematterontermsagreedtobytheparties,andthevacancydoesnotinvalidatetheproceeding.
18.18TheChairoftheAppealsBoardortheChair’sdelegatemayhearanddecideanyinterimorpreliminarymatterinan
application,andforthatpurposemayexerciseanyofthepowersoftheAppealsBoardnecessarytodecidethematter.
18.19Duringtheperiodoftimewhichbeginseitheronthe30thdaybeforetheissueofthewritforgeneralfixeddateelections,
oronthedayofissueofthewritforothersections,asthecasemaybe,andendsonthedayaftertheelectionisheld,no
onemaysubmitacomplainttotheAppealBoardforactionandnohearingsoftheAppealBoardmaybeheld.
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20.01TheBoardofDirectorsmay,fromtimetotime,adoptrulesandregulationstoexpeditethebusinessoftheParty.
ARTICLE1INTRODUCTION.
1.01This“CodeofConduct”(hereafterreferredtoas“theCode”)is“Appendix‘A’”totheConstitutionandBylawsoftheBritish
ColumbiaConservativeParty(hereinafterreferredtoas“TheParty”)andshall,inallwaysmaterial,bedeemedtobean
integralpartofthesaidConstitutionandBylaws.
1.02PurposeandaimsoftheCode.ThegoalsandaimsofthisCodearetopromoteunityinthePartybyrequiringrespectful
conductandethicalprincipleswhendealingwithinternalPartybusinessand/oractivitiesandinrelationshipswithall
citizensofBritishColumbia.
1.03Application.ThisCodeofisintendedtogovern,wherespecified,notonlytheconductoftheDirectors,Officersand
MembersofthePartybutanyemployees,committeechairsoranyothersupporterswhomaybeundertakingorassisting
intheaffairsoftheParty.
1.04ComplementtoConstitutionandBylaws.TheprovisionsofthisCodeareintendedtobothbeanintegralpartofandto
complementandenhance,inaconsistentmanner,therequirementsthatariseatlawandintheConstitutionandBylaws
oftheParty.
ARTICLE2ETHICALPRINCIPLES.
2.01ThePartyanditsMemberssubscribetothefollowinggeneralethicalprinciplesandagreetoabidebythemintheir
individualandcollectiveactionswithoneanotherandthecitizensingeneralwhenactingonbehalfofthePartyor
otherwisewhenactinginanymannerassociatedwiththeParty,namely:
(a)Actatalltimeshonestly,ingoodfaithandinamannerwhichwillenhancetheimageofandbeinthebest
interestsoftheParty.Further,whileacknowledgingthatpoliticalactionsrequireopenandfreespeechand
honestinformeddebatetoachieveresults,to
(i)alwaysbetruthful,treatothersfairlyandwithrespect,andacceptthathonestyisessentialtothe
developmentandmaintenanceofthetrustthatisessentialtobothbuildinganddevelopingtheParty
andtheProvince;
(ii)neverknowinglymisrepresentthestatedpurposes,principles,valuesorpoliciesoftheParty;
(iii)whenevernecessary,recognizeandrespondtotheauthorizedstructures(includingBoards,
CommitteesandotherAssociatedbodies)andoperationalproceduresoftheParty,including
respondingandcommunicatingwiththePartyinatimelymannerwhenappropriateorasdirected.
(b)WheninanywayrepresentingtheParty,itsOfficers,Directors,AssociatedbodiesorMembers,workforthe
generalbenefitofthePartyandnotforpersonalgainorenhancement,Further,allmembers,employedstaff,
supportersorassociates
(i)mustadheretotheprinciples,policiesandgeneralagreementsofthePartywhenrepresentingthe
PartyorworkingonbehalfoftheParty.
(ii)usetheresourcesofthePartyforthemaximumbenefitoftheParty.Thisrelatesinparticularto
thoseinchargeofallocatingfunds.
(c)AllMembersmustavoidanddeclareconflictsofinterest.Withoutlimitingthisrequirement,itisunderstoodthat:
(i)individualsworkingonbehalfofthePartyareinpositionsoftrustandmustnotviolatethattrustby
usingthepositionforpersonalgainorenhancement;
BCCPDraftConstitutionandByLaws–April2015 BCCPDraftConstitutionandByLaws–April2015 ARTICLE19NOTICE.
19.01TheBoardofDirectorswillgivenotice,inwriting,ofanAGM,aSGMorofameetingfortheElectionofaLeadertoall
Membersatleastfortyfive(45)daysinadvance.Followupremindersmaybeprovidedbyemail,fax,telephoneorany
otherelectronicmeans.
19.02NoticeofmeetingsoftheManagementCommitteeshallbegiven,withanagendaattached,notlessthanseven(7)clear
dayspriortothedateofthemeeting.Provided,however,thatavoteoftwothirds(2/3)ofallMembersofthe
ManagementCommitteemayagreetoshorternoticeanddeclareameetingoftheManagementCommitteetobevalid
andbinding.Noticesmaybegiveneitherinwritingorbyemail.
19.03NoticesoffacetofacemeetingsoftheBoardofDirectorsshallbegiven,withanagendaattached,notlessthantwenty
one(21)dayspriortothedateofthemeeting.NoticesofelectronicortelephonemeetingsoftheBoardofDirectorsshall
begiven,withanagendaattached,notlessthanten(10)dayspriortothedateofthemeeting.
(a)Providedhowever,thatinbothinstances,avoteoftwothirds(2/3)ofallMembersoftheBoardofDirectorsmay
agreetoshorternoticeanddeclareameetingoftheBoardofDirectorstobevalidandbinding.Noticesmaybe
giveneitherinwritingorbyemail.
(b)Providedfurther,however,thattheinitialmeetingofanewlyelectedBoardofDirectorsmaybeconvened
immediatelyafterthePartyelectionsatanAGMandwillbevalidandwithouttheneedforthetwentyone(21)
daynoticeperiod.Themattersdiscussedatthismeetingshouldbeintroductoryandproceduralinnatureonly
andtheminutesofthissaidmeetingmustbeagreedtoandpassedbyatwothirdsvoteoftheBoardofDirectors
atitsnextmeeting.
ARTICLE20RULESANDREGULATIONS.
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(ii)fairandresponsiblegovernanceofthePartyisjeopardizedandputatriskinsituationswherea
conflictofinterestinfluencesthemakingofdecisions;
(iii)ifandwhenthereisadirect,indirectorperceivedconflictofinterest,thoseconcernedmustavoid
thepositionortheissueandfullydeclarepossibleinvolvementandthereafterresign,recluse,orin
allwaysotherwiseremovethepotentialforpossibleconflictofinterest.
(d)AllMembersmustworktowardmutuallybeneficialpartnershipsandworkcollaborativelywithoneanotherwith
theobjectofbuildingthePartyandprovidingeffectivegovernancetoallthecitizensoftheProvince.Further,itis
understoodthat;
(i)suchpartnerships,whenproperlystructured,canleadtosynergyinorganizationthatmakesformuch
moreeffectiveresultsthanindividualsworkingaloneorinisolation;
(ii)someMembersmaybeunawareofthebenefitsofworkingtogethertowardamutualgoalandthat
thismayrequirecommitmentsonthepartofallMemberstoundertakepersonaldevelopmentand
patience,andwhereappropriatetoprovideinstructionandencouragementto:
xresistusingmajorityvotestooverpoweropposingideasandtheviewsofdissentingmembers;
xachievefull,openandaccuratedisclosureofrelevantinformation,includingbeingtransparent
andfiscallyresponsibletotheParty’sinterestsanditsdonors;
xbecollegial,forwardlookingandadoptproblemsolvingattitudes,includingpastrealor
perceivedinjustices,andtreatallwithmutualrespect,displayingcourteousbehaviourandat
alltimesproperlyconsiderandevaluatetheviewsofotherssothatbalancedandcorrect
decisionsmightbeachieved.
(e)AllMembersmusthonourtheircommitmentstothePartyandtootherMembers,andrefrainfrommaking
promisesorcreatingexpectationsthatareunlikelytobefulfilled.Unrealisticexpectationsshouldbeclarifiedand
discardedatthebeginningofaprojectoractionand,ifhonouringacommitmentshouldbecomeimpossible,
thoseconcernedmustnotifytheappropriateauthoritywithoutdelay.
(f)AllMembersinvolvedindecisionsmateriallyaffectingtheoperationsoftheParty,undertake,
(i)inallwaysreasonable,tomakesuchdecisionsonlywhenallinterestedpartiesarepresentorhave
receivedadequateinformationandnoticetobepresent;
(ii)toavoidmakingassumptionswithoutproperlyassessingtheviewsoftheotherinterestedparties,
and,
(iii)whenameeting,properlyconstituted,hasbeendeclaredtobeconfidentialand“incamera”,inall
ways,keepspecifiedconfidentialinformationthathasbeendeclaredandagreedconfidentialin
advanceofdecisions,confidential.
(g)AllMembersholdingofficeand/orresponsibilitiesintheParty,includingitsBoards,Committees,Associatedor
supportingorganizationsorotherentities,mustundertaketocommunicateresponsibly,collaboratively,openly
andwithoutdelay.FurthertotakeallreasonablestepstoensurethatgroupsandindividualsintheParty
communicateopenlyandfairlyandthatinformationsuchaspolicies,guidelines,responsibilities,and
opportunitiesforinvolvementarefullypublicized.Infurtherancetotheforegoing;
(i)decisionsmadethatmayeffectorinfluenceaMember,committee,orpartoftheorganizationina
significantway,mustbecommunicatedwithoutdelaytothatMember,committeeorpartofthe
organization,whetheritbeforendorsementorthepurposeofnotice;
(ii)intheinstanceofadecisionorendorsementneededinaverytimelywayandrequiringactionor
input,allMembersmustdotheirbesttocommunicatewithasmanypeopleinvolvedaspossiblein
ordertocometoafair,reasonableandcorrectconclusionhavingregardtothecircumstance;and,
(iii)providedfurther,however,incircumstanceswhereinformationisconsidered,forwhateverreason,
tobeverysensitiveorconfidential,suchinformationshouldnotbedistributedorcommunicated
withoutclearapprovalfromtheparties,committeesorotherentitiesinvolved.
ARTICLE3OVERALLBEHAVIOUR,GOODCONDUCTANDRESPONSIBILITIESOFMEMBERS.
3.01WhileacknowledgingthatthePartyisa“political”entityinvolvedinthelegalanddemocraticprocessofseekingtoserve
thepeopleofBritishColumbiainthefieldsofpublicgovernmentandadministration;
3.02Andfurther,thatsuchademocraticprocessofteninvolvesintensecompetitionbetweenindividuals,concepts,beliefs,
ideals,principlesandmanyotherissues;
3.03thefollowingisunderstoodandacceptedbytheBCConservativePartyMembers,namely:
(a)EveryMembershoulddoallpossibletoprotectandenhancethereputationofthePartyinthepublicdomainand
tobuildunityintheParty,andinfurtherancethereof;
(i)shouldrefrainfrommakingstatementstopublicmediaentities(radio,television,newspapersandthe
like)thatopenlyandpubliclycriticize,denigrateand/ordemeantheParty,thePartyleadership,
individualPartyMembers,thePartyprinciples,policies,decisions,entities,structuresand/or
associatedbodiesofthePartyordiscussinapublic,personal,vindictiveand/orderogatorymanner
themeritsand/ordemeritsofdecisionsrelatingtointernalPartybusinessandadministration;
(ii)shouldrefrainfrommakingorpostinganystatementson“publicdomain”entities(suchasFacebook,
Twitter,Facebookorotherinternetsites)thatopenlyandpubliclycriticizeordenigrateand/or
demeantheParty,thePartyleadership,individualPartyMembers,thePartyprinciples,policies,
entities,structuresand/orassociatedbodiesofthePartyordiscussinapublic,personal,vindictive
and/orderogatorymannerthemeritsand/ordemeritsofdecisionsrelatingtointernalPartybusiness
andadministration;
(iii)incommunicatingbyemail,torefrainfrommakingstatementsthatharshlycriticizeordenigrate
and/ordemeantheParty,thePartyleadership,individualPartyMembers,thePartyprinciples,
policies,entities,structuresand/orassociatedbodiesofthePartyorcontainpersonalattacks,
vindictiveand/orderogatorystatementsonthemeritsand/ordemeritsofdecisionsrelatingto
internalPartybusinessandadministrationandthoseinvolvedtherein.Further,insendingemail
communicationsto:
xbeasclearandconciseaspossible;
xensurethatthesender’snameandemailaddressandthenamesandemailaddressesofall
otherstowhomthemessageissentareclearlyvisibletothethoseconcerned;
xsendthemessagetoonlytheappropriatereceiver;
xsendnosuperfluousorillconsideredmaterialorirrelevantinformation,andnomessagesthat
areharmful,dishonestoruselanguagethatdenigratesordemeansothers;and,
xcompletelyrefrainfromspreadingrumour,gossip,hearsay,fomentingspeculation,scandal,or
impliedallegationsconcerningthebusinessandadministrationoftheParty,itsassociated
entitiesand/oritsmembers.
ARTICLE4SUMMARYANDINTENT.
4.01TheforegoingArticlesofthisCodeofConductshould,inallways,beunderstoodandinterpretedasintendingtoadvance
theunity,goodgovernanceandeffectiveadministrationoftheParty.
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