📣 Know Your Legal Responsibilities as a Support Committee Member
Understanding Your Role in an Unincorporated Organization
By Paul Preikschas, Executive Director – Army Cadet League of Canada (ON)
Support Committees (SCs) play a vital role in the success and sustainability of Army Cadet Corps across Ontario. However, it’s crucial to remember that every member of a Support Committee is also legally responsible for the organization’s activities. That’s because SCs operate as unincorporated organizations, and this carries unique legal implications.
👥 What Does That Mean for You?
As a member of an unincorporated group, you are considered a director, and with that title comes a duty of due diligence and care. If problems arise—whether financial mismanagement, failure to follow proper procedures, or legal disputes—all SC members can be held personally liable. There’s no corporate “shield” to protect individual members in an unincorporated entity.
🔒 Screening Alone Isn’t Enough
Being a screened volunteer with the Canadian Cadet Organizations is important for youth safety and program eligibility—but it does not provide legal protection for your role in financial or governance matters. That protection comes from Universal Membership in the Army Cadet League of Canada (Ontario). Universal Membership extends legal protection (such as insurance coverage) to all SC members who are officially recognized by the League.
💰 Financial Oversight Is a Shared Responsibility
All Support Committee members must demonstrate positive control and oversight over:
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Bank accounts and signing authorities
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Payment of bills
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Entry into contracts or financial commitments
No one person should be in sole control. Best practices include dual signatories on all accounts and clear, transparent financial reporting at SC meetings.
✅ Add League Directors as Signatories
Because SC volunteers often change from year to year, it is highly recommended that Directors of the Army Cadet League of Canada (Ontario) be included as authorized signatories on all SC financial accounts. This protects both the committee and the unit by:
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Ensuring continuity when volunteers leave
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Allowing the League to help with account transitions
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Protecting funds from inaccessibility or mishandling
Remember: the funds raised by your committee belong to the Army Cadet League of Canada (Ontario) and are held in trust for the benefit of your cadet corps. As volunteers, you are stewards—not owners—of these resources.
In Summary
Serving on a Support Committee is both a privilege and a responsibility. Make sure you understand the legal implications of your role, act with transparency and accountability, and always work in alignment with the League’s governance policies. When in doubt, reach out to your League representative—we’re here to support you.
For more guidance, visit: www.armycadetleague.on.ca
