Frequently asked questions

What is a non-profit corporation?

A non-profit corporation provides a service to its members or the public. Profits received from its activities must be used to further its purpose. There are two kinds of non-profit corporations:

What is a registered office?

The registered office is the address within Saskatchewan where the records of the corporation are maintained.

What is a director?

A director is an individual who with his fellow directors (board of directors) is responsible for managing the business and affairs of the corporation. He or she must be at least 18 years old and be elected by the members. Anyone who is found to be of unsound mind by a court in Canada or elsewhere, or anyone with the status of bankrupt, is disqualified from being a director.

For further information about directors:

• Directors' Liability
• Duties and Responsibilities of Directors

How do I search the name I want to use for my non-profit organization?

You can request a name search by phone, mail, or fax:

• Phone the Corporations Branch at (306) 787-2962 and provide the information outlined in the Name Search and Reservation form, along with a Visa or MasterCard number and expiry date.
• Mail the Name Search and Reservation form to the Corporations Branch with the required fee. You may pay by Visa, MasterCard, cheque or money order in Canadian funds. (2nd Floor, 1871 Smith Street, Regina SK, S4P 4W5)
• Fax the Request for Name Search and Reservation with the Client Authorization form, including a Visa or MasterCard number and expiry date, to the Corporations Branch at (306) 787-8999. Be sure that a name and return address are at the top of the name search request so the results can be mailed to you.

All available names are reserved for a ninety day period to allow you time to prepare and submit the registration documents, if they do not accompany the name search request.

How much does the name search cost?

The name search fee for non-profit corporations is $20.00. Only names of registered Saskatchewan businesses, non-profit organizations and corporations are searched. For more information on name searches see Searching and registering a business name.

How do I change the name of my corporation or any other item in the Articles of Incorporation?

To change (or amend) any provision in the Articles of Incorporation, you must file Articles of Amendment. The Articles of Amendment must clearly state what the change is and must be signed by an Authorized Officer or Director of the corporation.

The fee to amend the Articles is $20. If the name is to be changed, the fee is $35. If there is a substantial change in the name, you may also have to pay the $20 name search fee.

How do I change my registered office?

You change your registered office by filing a new Notice of Registered Office. There is no fee to make this change.

How do I change the directors in the corporation?

When any change of directors occurs, a Notice of Directors must be completed and filed within 15 days of the change. There is no fee to file the notice.

If the new number of directors is less than the minimum or more than the maximum number of directors allowed in the Articles, the Notice of Directors must also be accompanied by Articles of Amendment and the $20 fee.

Where can I get more information on non-profit organizations?

The Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan (PLEA) has published a booklet entitled "Non-Profit Corporations."

Where can I get a copy of The Non-profit Corporations Act, 1995 and its regulations?

Saskatchewan Justice
Queen's Printer
B-19 - 3085 Albert Street
Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0B1
1-800-226-7302 (within Saskatchewan) or (306)787-6894
E-mail: qprinter@justice.gov.sk.ca

Please call ahead for prices.