Standard 2: Compliance with Laws

“Land trusts fulfill their legal requirements as not-for-profit organizations and comply with all laws and regulations.” 

 

Practices:

A. Compliance with Laws

1. Comply with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations. 

Resources:

Working List of Applicable Laws to Land Trusts in Ontario	Ontario Land Trust Alliance	2020	22 KB	word
Legal Risk Management Checklist	Carters Professional Corporation	2018	358 KB	pdf
File Name	Organization	Year	Size	Format

B. Not-for-profit Incorporation and Bylaws

1. Incorporate or organize according to the requirements of provincial or federal law and maintain legal status. 
2. Operate in accordance with established bylaws.
3. Review the bylaws at least once every five years to ensure consistency with current operations, the organizing documents and provincial and/or federal law.
   

Resources:

Not-For-Profit Incorporator’s Guide	Ministry of Attorney General	2018	————————–	website
OLTA Bylaws	Ontario Land Trust Alliance	2013	82 KB	pdf
OFT Articles & Bylaws for Continuance	Ontario Farmland Trust	2013	464 KB	pdf
ORMLT Bylaws	Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust	2013	100 KB	pdf
Board Policies Review Schedule	Ontario Land Trust Alliance	2019	66.8 KB	pdf
File Name	Organization	Year	Size	Format

C. Tax Status

1.  Maintain status as a non-profit, registered charity or qualified donee under the Income Tax Act (Canada). 
   1. File a complete and accurate annual information return with the Canada Revenue Agency and/or federal/provincial government. 
2. Comply with applicable rules regarding business activity and private or undue benefit.
3. Where applicable, comply with federal requirements regarding political activities. 

Resources:

T3010 Charity Return – Filing Information	Canadian Revenue Agency	2020	——————-	website
Charities and Politics – Presentation	Carters Law	2019	108 KB	pdf
Financial Management Policy	Ontario Land Trust Alliance	2016	236 KB	pdf
File Name	Organization	Year	Size	Format