Charter for the Mississauga Chapter

 Preamble:  

This Charter formally establishes the Mississauga Chapter of the Ontario Seniors' Forum (OSF)  as an authorized regional chapter operating under the governance, policies, and strategic vision  of the OSF.  

1. Name and Affiliation   

The name of this chapter shall be the Mississauga Chapter of the Ontario Seniors’ Forum (which  will be called hereafter OSF Mississauga). It shall operate under the umbrella and authority of  the OSF, a provincial not-for-profit organization registered in Ontario.  

2. Purpose  

The purpose of the Mississauga Chapter is to:  

• Promote the mission, values, and objectives of the OSF within the Mississauga  community.  

• Provide programs, advocacy, and social opportunities that enhance the well-being of  local seniors.  

• Support the broader initiatives of OSF, including Vision 2030 and provincial-wide  projects.  

3. Membership  

3.1 The Mississauga Chapter shall maintain a minimum of 15 active senior members.  

3.2 Membership shall be open to all seniors 55+ residing in Mississauga or nearby areas who  support the goals of OSF.  

4. Chapter Committee  

4.1 The Mississauga Chapter shall be led by an OSF Mississauga Committee consisting of a  minimum of six (6) elected members.  4.2 Committee roles may include: Chapter Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Program  Coordinators. 

4 .3 Committee members shall serve three-year terms renewable once, up to a maximum of three  consecutive terms.  

5. Meetings  

5.1 The Chapter Committee shall meet at least once every three months for decision making.  

5.2 A general membership meeting shall be held annually to update members and gather input.  

6. Financial Oversight  

6.1 The Chapter shall maintain accurate and transparent records of all financial transactions.  

• A joint bank account shall be opened in the name of “Ontario Seniors Forum – OSF  Chapter” with joint signing authority held by the Chapter Treasurer, and/or Chapter Chair  and one designated officer from the OSF Head Office.  

• All financial transactions of the Chapter shall be conducted through this joint account, in  accordance with OSF financial policies and oversight procedures.  

• The Chapter shall submit quarterly financial statements and supporting documentation to  the OSF Treasurer or designated Liaison Officer.  

• If handling funds over the defined Chapter may be subject to internal audit.  

6.2 Chapters generating over $5,000 in annual revenue or over the defined threshold set by  OSF, may be subject to internal audit.  

6.3 Monthly financial snapshots must be included in Quarterly Reports submitted to OSF HQ.  

7. Reporting  

7.1 The Mississauga Chapter shall submit the following to OSF HQ:  • Quarterly activity and financial reports  

• Annual audited financial statement (if threshold met)  

• One annual site visit or virtual audit  

8. Communication Protocol  

8.1 All public communications, event promotions, sponsorship requests, or media releases must  be submitted to OSF HQ at least 10 business days in advance for approval.  

9. Conflict of Interest and Conduct  

9.1 Chapter Committee members must:  

• Disclose any business or personal interest related to Chapter activities.  

• Abstain from related voting decisions.  

• Uphold OSF’s values of non-political, non-religious, non-ethnic, and non-gender-biased  engagement.  

10. Suspension or Dissolution  

10.1 The Mississauga Chapter may be suspended or dissolved by the OSF Board if:  

• It becomes inactive for 6 months.  

• It fails to meet reporting or financial obligations.  

• It acts contrary to the integrity or reputation of OSF.   

10.2 In such cases, the Chapter must cease using the OSF name and logo and return all materials  (branded, digital, or physical) to OSF HQ within 30 days.  

11. Dispute Resolution  

11.1 Any dispute between the Mississauga Chapter and OSF shall be first referred to the  designated OSF Liaison Officer.  

11.2 If unresolved, the matter will proceed to mediation prior to any legal proceedings.  

12. Adoption of Charter  

This Charter shall take effect upon approval by the OSF Board of Directors and signature by the  Chapter Committee of the Mississauga Chapter.  

Signed on November 15, 2025, at Milton, ON, on behalf of: