Incorporate an Alberta cooperative

Overview

A cooperative is a business organization started by people who want to:

• use services or buy goods as a group
• have an equal say in how the business is run
• share in any profits the business makes

Three or more persons may apply to incorporate as a cooperative.

A cooperative has the capacity, rights, powers and privileges of a natural person and can:

• buy, sell and own property and assets, including land
• enter into contracts
• sue others
• be sued

Cost

There is a $100 incorporation fee.

How to apply

Step 1. Choose a name

A cooperative name must meet specific legislative requirements, and not contain legal elements used by other types of businesses, such as Alberta corporations.

All cooperatives are required to have one of the following legal elements in their name:

• Cooperative, Co-operative, or Coopérative
• Coop or Co-op
• United
• Pool

Step 2. Get an Alberta NUANS report

You need to get an Alberta Name Search (NUANS) report and review it to make sure there is no other cooperative, business, or organization with an identical name or a name that is too similar to your proposed cooperative name.

Find a NUANS service provider.

The NUANS report reserves the proposed name for 90 days. The complete report must be submitted with the incorporation package, and must be less than 91 days old.

Step 3. Develop your Articles of Incorporation document

The Articles of Incorporation is a document that the cooperative must prepare. This document must contain the information required by the legislation.

Refer to the Articles of Incorporation requirements.

A signature page with the names and signatures of all the incorporators must be included. A minimum of 3 incorporators is required. The witness to these signatures completes the Affidavit of Execution form and gets it commissioned or notarized.

• Affidavit of Execution

Step 4. Fill out the forms

The forms listed below must be completed and submitted as part of the incorporation package.

• Information for Incorporation
• Notice of Address

The registered office and records addresses must be physical locations in Alberta. A separate mailing address in Alberta can be provided if desired.

• Notice of Directors

The names and addresses of the directors listed must match the information stated in the Articles of Incorporation document.

Step 5. Submit your incorporation package and fee

Send the Articles of Incorporation, other forms, NUANS report and the $100 incorporation fee to Corporate Registry. Make cheque payable to the Government of Alberta.

Mailing Address:
Corporate Registry
Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction
Box 1007 Station Main
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 4W6

Email: [email protected]

After you apply

If your information meets requirements, Corporate Registry will enter it into the registry system. The certificate of incorporation and a copy of the incorporation documents will be sent to you.

Creating and filing bylaws

The Cooperatives Act does not have standard bylaws. The act and the regulation identify what must be and what may be included in the bylaws.

See Bylaw Requirements for more information.

The directors must hold a members' meeting to make the bylaws. The bylaws must be signed by the directors and an Affidavit of Execution must be attached to verify their signatures. The new bylaws must be submitted to Corporate Registry within 180 days of receiving the Certificate of Incorporation. The bylaws come into force on the day they are made or on any later date specified in the bylaws or in the resolution adopting them.

• Affidavit of Execution

Register your Alberta cooperative in BC, Manitoba, or Saskatchewan

The New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA) is a trade relationship between Alberta, BC, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. The agreement makes it easier for cooperatives to operate across provincial borders.

Registration requirements for Alberta cooperatives have been streamlined and registration fees have been eliminated to make business expansion more cost-effective.

• Register your Alberta business in BC, Manitoba or Saskatchewan

Contact

Connect with Corporate Registry:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-7013
Email: [email protected]