PREAMBLE
Canada Disability United (CDU) is a national, grassroots movement founded by and for people with disabilities (PWD) and unpaid caregivers.
We exist to strengthen solidarity, self-determination, and systemic change by uniting individuals, families, and allies under one collective structure.
Our foundation rests on principles of justice, inclusion, mutual aid, and lived experience.
We acknowledge the unceded territories across which we live and organize, and affirm our commitment to Indigenous sovereignty and disability justice.
ARTICLE I — NAME AND PURPOSE
1.1 Name
The organization shall be known as Canada Disability United (CDU).
1.2 Mission Statement
To unite people with disabilities, caregivers, and allies across Canada to advocate for inclusion, equitable policy, and community-driven change.
1.3 Objectives
a. Promote the human rights, dignity, and social participation of people with disabilities.
b. Support unpaid and family caregivers as essential contributors to society.
c. Provide education, outreach, and advocacy at local, provincial, and federal levels.
d. Create accessible platforms for democratic participation and collective decision-making.
e. Build partnerships with Indigenous, racialized, and marginalized communities in solidarity.
ARTICLE II — MEMBERSHIP
2.1 Eligibility
Membership shall be open to:
- Disabled Persons — individuals self-identifying as living with a disability.
- Caregivers — unpaid or family caregivers of persons with disabilities.
- Allies — individuals or organizations supportive of CDU’s mission.
2.2 Rights and Responsibilities
Members shall:
a. Uphold the mission, values, and bylaws of CDU.
b. Be entitled to participate in general meetings, committees, and votes, as defined herein.
c. Contribute membership dues or equivalent participation, except where waived for hardship or accessibility.
2.3 Voting Members
Voting rights shall be held by Disabled Persons and Caregivers who have maintained active membership for at least 30 days prior to a vote. Allies may hold non-voting or advisory membership unless otherwise approved by the Board.
2.4 Termination of Membership
Membership may be suspended or revoked by a two-thirds (⅔) Board vote for cause, following notice and opportunity to respond.
2.5 Membership Dues
The Board may establish a sliding-scale fee structure based on income or designate dues-free membership for those in financial hardship.
ARTICLE III — BOARD OF DIRECTORS
3.1 Composition
The Board shall consist of no fewer than 4 and no more than 15 directors during the first year. The minimum shall automatically increase to 7 directors following the first AGM, maintaining majority representation by persons with disabilities.
At least one seat each shall be reserved for:
- An Indigenous person with a disability or Indigenous caregiver
- 60% PWD, with at least one PWIDD at all times
- 40% unpaid caregivers
- A regional representative from outside major metropolitan centres
- A youth (under 30) or emerging leader with disability lived experience
3.2 Term and Limits
Directors shall serve two-year terms, renewable once consecutively. After a one-year break, a member may seek re-election.
3.3 Powers and Duties
The Board shall:
a. Govern the affairs and property of CDU.
b. Appoint officers and committees.
c. Approve budgets, reports, and public statements.
d. Ensure compliance with federal and provincial nonprofit laws.
3.4 Officers
The officers shall include a Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, elected annually by the Board.
3.5 Vacancies
Vacancies may be filled by Board appointment until the next AGM, at which time the membership may ratify or replace.
3.6 Removal of Directors
A director may be removed for cause by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Board, subject to due process and written notice.
ARTICLE IV — ADVISORY BODIES AND COMMITTEES
4.1 Indigenous Advisory Circle
CDU recognizes Indigenous sovereignty and the right to self-determination. The Indigenous Advisory Circle shall guide CDU on matters of reconciliation, policy, and inclusion of Indigenous disabled persons and caregivers.
4.2 Caregiver Council
This council advises on policy, outreach, and programming affecting unpaid and family caregivers.
4.3 Disability Rights Council
A standing committee representing diverse disability communities, ensuring intersectional perspectives inform CDU’s advocacy and communications.
4.4 Ad Hoc Committees
The Board may establish temporary committees as required.
ARTICLE V — MEETINGS
5.1 Annual General Meeting (AGM)
An AGM shall be held once each fiscal year, open to all members, to:
a. Receive reports from the Board and committees.
b. Elect directors.
c. Approve annual statements and plans.
5.2 Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the Board or by written petition of 10% of the voting membership.
5.3 Quorum
A quorum shall consist of 25% of voting members or 10 individuals, whichever is smaller.
5.4 Virtual Participation
Meetings may be conducted by video or teleconference to ensure accessibility.
ARTICLE VI — FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION
6.1 Fiscal Year
The fiscal year shall end on May 31 unless changed by Board resolution.
6.2 Accounts and Records
All financial transactions shall be recorded and made available for inspection by members upon reasonable request.
6.3 Signing Authority
At least two authorized directors must sign for disbursement of funds.
6.4 Audit or Review
An annual financial review or audit shall be conducted by an independent accountant if required by law or by member resolution.
6.5 Use of Funds
All income and property shall be applied solely to CDU’s mission and not for private benefit.
ARTICLE VII — CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND CONDUCT
7.1 Declaration of Conflict
Any director or member with a potential conflict shall declare it and abstain from related decisions.
7.2 Ethical Standards
All members and directors shall uphold integrity, respect, confidentiality, and accountability in their conduct.
7.3 Harassment-Free Environment
CDU commits to maintaining an inclusive, safe, and harassment-free environment across all operations and events.
ARTICLE VIII — AMENDMENTS
8.1 Procedure
These bylaws may be amended by:
a. A two-thirds (⅔) majority vote of members at a general meeting; and
b. Advance notice of proposed amendments circulated at least 30 days prior.
8.2 Review Cycle
The bylaws shall be reviewed every three years or sooner as required by governance needs.
ARTICLE IX — DISSOLUTION
9.1 Process
Upon dissolution, after payment of debts and liabilities, all remaining assets shall be transferred to a disability-led nonprofit organization in Canada with similar objectives.
9.2 Prohibition on Private Gain
No part of CDU’s property shall be distributed to members or directors except for legitimate reimbursement of approved expenses.
ARTICLE X — INTERPRETATION
10.1 Authority
In the event of ambiguity, the interpretation most consistent with inclusion, justice, and disability self-determination shall prevail.
10.2 Compliance
These bylaws shall be read in conjunction with the BC Societies Act and any applicable federal legislation governing not-for-profit organizations.
Ratified: August 21, 2025
Prepared by: Canada Disability United Founding Committee
Drafted by: Cherise Craney, Founding Director
Reviewed by: Interim Board and Advisory Councils
Incorporation Details:
Filed Date and Time: December 2, 2025, 07:24 PM (Pacific Time)
Society Incorporation Number: S0083963