By-laws of

South Asian Heritage Association of Hamilton and Region

(SAHAHR)

(Revised 2021)

You can download a copy of the by-laws here.

VISION

We envision a community that is inclusive, democratic, respects and celebrates the

the cultural diversity of Canada, and where the South Asian community plays an active and

integrated role in all aspects of the civic, political, social, and cultural life of Canada.

MISSION

Our mission is to educate, showcase and promote the cultures of South Asia through

cultural, literary, and other events in Hamilton and beyond.

OBJECTIVES

• To promote a positive image of the South Asian community in Hamilton and Region

by showcasing South Asian cultures.

• To enable and facilitate South Asian Canadians to participate and integrate into

the civic, social, and cultural life of Canada.

• To promote the interests and rights of the South Asian Canadian community in

Canada through partnership and cooperation with various levels of the municipal,

provincial and federal governments and other organizations within Hamilton.

• To instill in the youth of South Asian origin a sense of pride in their cultural heritage.
• To foster and encourage cooperation among its members, and with other

organizations.

• To support social and cultural activities but do not affiliate the SAHAHR with any

religious or political activities.

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DEFINITIONS

South Asia is defined to include the nations of (alphabetically) Afghanistan,

Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

People of South Asian Origin are defined as individuals who trace their ancestry from

any country of South Asia, irrespective of their place of birth or residence.

BY-LAWS

These by-laws and articles related to the transaction of affairs of the South Asian

Heritage Association of Hamilton and Region. They will be reviewed every 5 years

when a strategic review is conducted.

Amendments to bylaws can be made any time by the Board and ratified by the General

Body, as needed.

APPENDIX

These by-laws include an Appendix which contains information that can change from

time to time. If the Board elects to change any information in the Appendix, the

An appendix must be revised by the Secretary and approved by the Board through a

majority vote. Previous appendices will be retained as historical records with effective

dates of changes.

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BE IT ENACTED as the by-laws of the South Asian Heritage Association of Hamilton

and Region (SAHAHR) as follows:

HEAD OFFICE

The Head office of the organization shall be located in the City of Hamilton-Burlington

and Region in the Province of Ontario at a location indicated in the Appendix. If the

Board of Directors elect to change the location of the Head Office, the Appendix must

be revised by the Secretary and approved by the Board.

SPECIAL PROVISIONS

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1. The organization shall be subject to the Charities Accounting Act, 1990 and the

Charitable Gifts Act, 1990 of Ontario.

MEMBERSHIP

2. Classes of Members and Entitlements

The organization shall have the following classes of membership:

1. a) A ‘General ’ member

• shall be an individual of South Asian origin or a member of a South Asian

family;

• supports the objectives of the Organization;
• shall be entitled to receive notice of, and participate in various events and

activities of the Organization;

• shall be entitled to vote at general body meetings;
• shall pay an annual membership fee (see Appendix for the fee amount).

1. b) An ‘Honourary’ member

• shall be any person or an organization that, by resolution of the Board of

Directors are deemed to have given distinguished service or support to the

Organization;

• shall be entitled to receive notice of and to attend general body meetings;
• shall not be required to pay a membership fee;
• shall not be entitled to vote at general body meetings.

GENERAL BODY MEETINGS

3. The Board of Directors by resolution may authorize the President/Vice-President to

fix a date for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of members. At every AGM, in

addition to any other business that may transact, the report of the President and

the financial statements shall be presented and approved by the members.

General members may also elect the Board of Directors at the AGM.

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4. The Board of Directors may at any time call a special general body meeting for the

transaction of any business, the special nature of which is specified in the notice

calling the meeting.

5. Written or electronic notice of the time, place, and date of general body meetings

and the general nature of the business to be transacted shall be given at least ten

(10) days before the date of the meeting to each member.

6. Voting on an issue shall be decided by greater than fifty percent (50%) majority of

a quorum of voting members present in person or by proxy. The President would

not normally vote, however, in the event of a tie, the President will cast the

deciding vote.

7. A quorum for the transaction of business at any general body meeting shall consist

of at least 30% of Regular members entitled to vote, either present in person,

virtually, or represented by proxy.

8. The President, or, in that person's absence, the Vice-President of the organization

shall be chair of any general body meeting. If no such officer is present within

fifteen (15) minutes from the time fixed for holding the meeting, members present

and entitled to vote shall choose one of their members to be the chair. If the

Secretary is absent, the chair shall appoint an individual, to act as Secretary of the

meeting.

9. Except where a secret ballot is used, the resolution that has been carried by

greater than fifty percent (50%) majority, any proposal at a general body

meeting shall be decided by a show of hands.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

10. The Board of Directors shall consist of individuals elected by Regular members at a

general body meeting. the organization shall be governed by a Board of Directors

composed of between eight (8) and seventeen (17) directors. All directors

must be eighteen (18) years of age or older and be a general member.

11. SAHAHR will strive to have representation on the Board from each South Asian

country, with one and preferably two Board members from each South Asian

country.

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12. SAHAHR will strive to have at least one Youth Board Member (18 – 30 years of

age) from any country to promote the needs and interests of youth in the South

Asian community.

13. Leave of Absence.

If for medical or other personal reasons, a Board member is unable to carry out

their responsibilities, he/she will be allowed to take a leave of absence for up to

one year at the discretion of the Board.

14. The Directors shall serve as such without remuneration and no Director shall

directly or indirectly receive any profit from their positions as such, provided that

Directors may be paid reasonable expenses incurred by them in the performance

of their duties.

TERM OF OFFICE

15. Board members will be elected at the Annual General Meeting by a simple majority

of members. Notice of such election will be sent to all members at least 2 weeks

prior to the election asking for nominations. The Board will aspire for

representation from all South Asian countries on the Board, if possible.

16. The Board members will be elected for a period of five (5) years. In the first year

after the organization is incorporated, half of the founding board members may

take an additional one-year term to ensure continuity of board governance in the

organization’s early stages. An individual may serve up to two (2) consecutive

terms, after which the individual must take at least a one (1) year break. At each

AGM, the directors whose terms of office have expired, shall be retired, but shall

be eligible for re-election if otherwise qualified.

17. If a Board member does not support the vision, mission, and objectives of SAHAHR

or his/her behaviour is considered inappropriate for the image or the functioning of

SAHAHR, the Board will create a special subcommittee, chaired by an impartial

non-Board member to investigate and report to the Board. Based on the

recommendation of the subcommittee the SAHAHR board will take appropriate

action, which may include the removal of such a member from the Board, if

necessary.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

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18. The Board of Directors may annually or more often, as may be required, elect from

among its members a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Cultural Secretary,

Treasurer and Youth Representative. Only Board members who have served on

the Board for at least two years are eligible for an Officer position. One person may

hold more than one office except for the offices of the President and Vice-President,

and Youth Representative. The President shall be elected by the Board of

Directors from among Board Members at the first meeting of the Board after the

annual election of such Board of Directors.

19. Nominations for vacant director positions shall be submitted in writing (on paper or

via e-mail) to the President or specially constituted Selection Committee of the

Board of Directors at least seven (7) days in advance of the meeting at which

the election is to take place.

QUORUM OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

20. A Majority, i.e. more than fifty percent (50%), of the directors shall form a

quorum for the transaction of business and, notwithstanding any vacancy among

the directors; a quorum of directors may exercise all of the authorities of the Board.

No business shall be transacted at a meeting of directors unless a quorum of the

Board of Directors is present.

MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

21. The Board of Directors may hold its meetings at such place or places as it may

from time to time be determined. Directors meetings may be formally called by the

President/Vice-President or by the Secretary, or on the direction in writing of any

two directors. Notice of such meeting shall be hand-delivered or sent via

electronic communication (i.e. telephone, fax, text message, or e-mail) to each

director not less than five (5) days before the meeting is to take place, or shall

be mailed to each director not less than seven (7) days before the meeting is to

take place.

22. The Board may appoint a day or days in any month or months for a regular

meeting at an hour to be named and of such a regular meeting a reminder will be

sent.

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BOARD ATTENDANCE

23. A director who is absent from three consecutive regular meetings of the Board

during a fiscal year is encouraged to re-evaluate with the Board President his/her

commitment to the Organization. The Board may deem a Director who has missed

three consecutive meetings without informing the Board is considered to have

resigned from the Board. Exceptions can be made for valid circumstances, such

as health, grieving, extended travel, etc.

DECISION-MAKING PROCESS, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

24. At all meetings of the Board of Directors, every issue shall normally require mutual

agreement of all directors present at the meeting. Decision-making will be carried

out in the following manner:

1. a) If mutual agreement cannot be obtained, a voting process will be used and a

majority will decide. The majority is determined as more than fifty percent of a

quorum of directors present;

1. b) The President shall not vote unless there is a tie. In the event of a tie, the

President will cast the deciding vote;

1. c) Votes shall be taken by a show of hands during in-person or virtual meetings.

A confidential ballot can be used at the request of any director present;

AUTHORITIES

25. The directors have authority to manage the affairs of the organization; however,

the initial approval and any changes to the By-laws will be ratified at a General

Body Meeting.

REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS

26. The directors shall serve without remuneration and shall not directly or indirectly

receive any profit from their position as such; PROVIDED that a director maybe

paid or reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of duties.

OFFICERS AND THEIR ROLES

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27. Officers and Duties

The Board shall elect officers of the South Asian Heritage Association of Hamilton

and Region which shall include a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Cultural

Secretary, Treasurer, and such assistants and other officers as the Board shall

from time to time be determined. One person may hold two or more offices.

28. President:
29. a) The President shall be responsible for leadership of the Board in discharging

its powers and duties and shall, in general, supervise and manage all of the

business and affairs of the Organization.

1. b) The President shall preside at meetings and have the power to call meetings.
2. c) The President may sign contracts and other instruments on behalf of the

organization.

1. d) If a decision is to be made quickly, the President will send an e-mail or call

the Board members to get approval. If it is not possible to get responses

from all the Board members within a reasonable time, the President can make

a decision; however, such a decision must be ratified by the Board at the next

meeting.

1. e) The President may decide and commit up to $500 for any expenses but such

a decision must be ratified at the next Board meeting.

29. Vice-President:
30. a) The Vice-President shall have all powers and duties of the President during

the President’s absence, disability, or disqualification, or during any vacancy

in the position of President, and such other powers or duties assigned by the

President, the Board, or the Bylaws.

1. b) The Vice-President will support the President for carrying out his/her

responsibilities.

30. Secretary. The Secretary shall:
31. a) Cause the minutes of all Board and Executive Committee meetings of the

organization to be recorded and distributed within seven days of such

meeting being held to all Board members;

1. b) Certify the accuracy of such minutes;
2. c) Cause notice of all meetings to be given;
3. d) Attest the signatures of the officers and directors as required;
4. e) Be the custodian of the seal of the organization and of all books, papers,

records, correspondence, contracts, and other documents belonging to the

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an organization which the Secretary shall deliver up only when authorized by 

resolution of the Board of Directors to do so and to such person or persons as

maybe named in the resolution; and

1. f) Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors.
2. Cultural Secretary. The Cultural Committee shall be responsible for organizing

cultural events. The responsibilities will include:

1. a) Plan and schedule cultural events in consultation with Board members.
2. b) Discuss programming details and remunerations with the artists and

performers, as appropriate.

1. c) Arrange for evaluation and suitability of the proposed performances through

auditions, reviewing video clips or other means to ensure that a proposed

performance is in line with the values and expectations of SAHAHR.

1. d) Determine the audio-visual requirements, stage settings, and any other special

requests made by the performers.

1. e) Ensure that any expenses related to cultural activities are within the approved

budget for the event.

1. f) Arrange for any stage decorations, costumes, audio-visual items, etc. that

belong to SAHAHR to be safely stored after the event.

32. Treasurer. The Treasurer or the person performing the usual duties of a Treasurer

shall:

1. a) Keep full and accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements of the

organization in proper books of account and shall deposit all monies or other

valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the in such bank or banks as

may from time to be designated by the Board of Directors.

1. b) Disburse the funds of the organization under the direction of the Board of

Directors and shall render to the Board of Directors at regular meetings or

whenever required, an account of all transactions as Treasurer of the

Organization. The Treasurer may delegate administrative duties to such

person or persons as the Board of Directors shall approve. The Treasurer

shall also perform such other duties as may from time to time be determined

by the Board of Directors.

1. c) Present a Financial Report at all General Body meetings.

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33. Board Members. All Board members will support the spirit of the organization and

assist in carrying out the tasks and responsibilities agreed on at a Board meeting.

Board members are expected to:

1. a) Attend Board meetings.
2. b) Take on responsibilities and contribute ideas for future events and

the direction of the organization.

1. c) Participate in Committees.
2. d) Keep track of any authorized expenses incurred for SAHAHR’s operation

and submit original receipts to the Treasurer for reimbursement.

BOOKS AND RECORDS

34. The Directors shall see that all necessary books and records of the organization

required by the by-laws of the organization or by any applicable statute or law are

regularly and properly kept.

COMMITTEES

35. The President/Vice-President may designate and appoint committees of the Board

as deemed necessary. Each Board committee shall be chaired by a Director. Non-

Board members may be appointed to any Board committees at the discretion of

the Board.

DEPOSIT OF SECURITIES FOR SAFEKEEPING

36. The securities of the organization shall be deposited for safekeeping with one or

more bankers, trust companies or other financial institutions to be selected by the

Board of Directors. Any and all securities so deposited may be withdrawn, from

time to time, as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board of

Directors and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. The

institutions which may be so selected as custodians by the Board of Directors shall

be fully protected in acting in accordance with the directions of the Board of

Directors and shall in no event be liable for the due application of the securities so

withdrawn from deposit or the proceeds thereof.

RESERVE FUND

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37. SAHAHR will strive to build up a Reserve Fund using the funds from corporate

sponsors.

DISSOLUTION

38. In case the Board decides to dissolve the organization, the funds left over after

paying all the bills will be donated to local charities and/or local arts and cultural

organizations to be decided by the Board members.

AMENDMENTS

39. The Board of Directors shall have the power to make, alter, amend, and repeal the

by-laws of the Organization, provided such amendments are subsequently ratified

by at least two-thirds of the members at a general body meeting duly called for

the purpose of considering such amendments to the by-laws.

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Appendix

(Effective February 1, 2021)

[This Appendix contains information that is liable to change from time to time by the

Board of Directors. It can be amended as needed without the formal process of

amending the by-laws. If changes are made to the Appendix, a copy of previous

An appendix will be retained with the effective date as a historical record.]

1. The Head Office of the organization will be located at 96 Haddon Ave. North,

Hamilton, ON, L8S 4A5.

2. Membership Fees:
3. a) The annual membership fee is set at ten dollars ($10) for General Members and

Associate Members; Twenty Five ($25) for family (parents and children).

1. b) Honorary Members are not required to pay an annual membership fee.
2. The Fiscal Year of the organization will be from January 1st to December 31st of

each year.

 

Thank you for visiting our website. South Asian Heritage Association of Hamilton and Region is a non-profit corporation formed to give spirit to the South Asian Heritage Act, 2001 in the Ontario Legislature.

South Asian Heritage Association of Hamilton and Region exists to educate the public on matters relating to the rich heritage, culture, history, traditions,and languages of South Asian community by providing courses, seminars,workshops and other educational programs on such matters. The Organization will also work with other charitable, educational or Governmental agencies in program to advance the South Asian Culture, Traditions art and language.

The South Asian Heritage Association of Hamilton and Region (SAHAHR) By-Laws:
Read our by-laws here or you can download a copy of our by-laws.

South Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for us as South Asians to celebrate our heritage and culture and showcase our rich culture with other too.

We very strongly believe that it is most important that our children should never forget their roots and feel proud of South Asian heritage by sharing their culture in school community,friends and neighbours.

We take the opportunity to invite you to our Seventh Annual South Asian Heritage Month with your family, friends and neighbors. Our event is free of charge because we very strongly believed no body should be left out of this important and fun fill celebration.

Yours sincerely,

South Asian Heritage of Hamilton and Region