NOTICE TO MEMBERS: Motion to Amend Constitution at AGM 2026 | March 31
Dear CanCham Shanghai Members,
In accordance with the Constitution of the Candian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, please be advised that a motion to amend the Constitution has been duly filed with the Board of Directors in advance of the upcoming Annual General Meeting on March 31, 2026.
As required by consitution, we hereby announce the proposed amendment to the membership two weeks prior to the AGM for your review. Please see below for the proposed changes, and find the revised Constitution for your reference.
At the AGM, there will be a vote on the following three proposed constitutional updates:
1. Revision in Objectives
- Proposal: To simplify the Constitution and expand the Chamber’s scope of work
- Vote: Amend CanCham Constitution’s Article III – Objectives, Point 3 and delete Point 5
New Phrasing Point 3
[To represent, express and give effect to the views of the Canadian business community regarding trade, investment, finance, industry and related matters with regards to China.]
Deleted Phrasing Point 5
[To maintain relations with other independent business associations and organizations where the Chamber sees fit.]
2. Revision in Voting Rights
- Proposal: To clarify membership categories, voting rights transparency, and define voting rights for corporate members without a Canadian legal entity and a Canadian voting member
- Vote: Revise Article V, Voting Rights, Section B
New Phrasing Section B
[Associate Membership (Voting / Non-Voting)
1. Each Associate Member Company may nominate up to three persons of good standing to be its representative(s) in the Chamber, one of whom shall be named by the Associate Member as its Voting Representative, as hereinafter defined. Voting Representatives must be Canadian citizens or Canadian Landed Immigrants. Voting Representatives must reside in China. An associate Member Company who does not have a Canadian citizen or Canadian Landed Immigrant as its representative in China shall be classified as a Non-Voting Member.
2. Each Voting Associate Member shall exercise five (5) votes through the person it designates as the Voting Representative.]
3. Creation of Regional Chapter
- Proposal: To establish a clear foundation, definition, and strategic scope for regional chapters
- Vote: Add a new Article XIV – Regional Chapter
New Phrasing Article XIV
[REGIONAL CHAPTERS
1. The Board of Directors may establish Regional Chapters in cities or provinces outside Shanghai.
2. Each chapter shall be led by a Chapter President, appointed by the Board for a 3-year term. The Chapter President must be a Canadian citizen and CanCham member in good standing.
3. All membership fees flow directly to CanCham Shanghai accounts. Regional Chapters operate under the authority and financial oversight of the Board and may not act as independent legal entities.
4. The Chapter President shall not represent, assist or organize events for any competing chamber or Canadian business organization in the region without the Board’s approval, during their term and for 2 years following.
5. In the event of separation, the Chapter President shall not solicit CanCham members or replicate CanCham programs for a competing organization for a period of 2 years.]
Voting Guidance
The vote will be conducted as per the provisions laid out in the CanCham Constitution. Members have two options to cast their votes:
In‑Person Voting:
- We encourage all members to attend and vote at the CanCham AGM on March 31, 2026, during the meeting
Absentee Voting:
- Members may request an absentee ballot by contacting info@cancham.asia
- Completed absentee ballots must be submitted to Sherry Chui, Acting Executive Director, via email at sherry@cancham.asia before the end of March 29, 2026
- Please note that online voting will not be available
Your participation in this AGM is crucial, as these proposed updates have significant implications for the Chamber’s operations and future. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to contact us.
We look forward to your engagement in this important process.
Sincerely,
The Board of Directors
CanCham Shanghai
