2.1	Categories
2.2	Membership Application
2.3	Suspension
2.4	Assignment of Membership
2.5	Resignation
2.6	Notwithstanding Clause
2.7	Board Final Arbiter
2.8	Dues
2.9	Dues payable
2.10	Voting Rights
2.11	Representation
2.12	Proxy
2.15	Privileges of the Floor

2.1              Categories  There shall be 3 categories of membership in the Manitoba Chambers: 

(a)                Category 1: any chamber of commerce in Manitoba, 

(b)               Category 2: any business, firm or corporation, and 

(c)                Category 3: any business, professional or trade association, or any individual.

2.2              Membership Application:  Membership must be applied for by presentation of a written application to, and on forms supplied by, the Manitoba Chambers and if approved by the Board, in its absolute discretion, the applicant will become a Member in the category assigned. 

2.3              Suspension  The Board has the authority to suspend, until the next ensuing Annual General Meeting or Special Meeting, the membership of any Member if, following a meeting of the Board concerning the Member in question, the Board, by a motion carried by not less than a two-thirds majority of the Members present, determines that the continued membership of that Member is prejudicial to the best interest of the Manitoba Chambers.  Such suspension will become termination of membership if a motion to this effect is presented to and ratified at the next ensuing Annual General or Special Meeting. While under suspension a Member will not be entitled to any of the rights or privileges of a Member, except that such Member will be entitled to attend the next ensuing meeting of the Manitoba Chambers for the sole purpose of speaking to the suspension and termination of such Member.

2.4              Assignment of Membership  No Member may assign its membership.

2.5              Resignation  Any Member may withdraw from membership by submitting to the Board a written resignation and payment of all outstanding obligations to the Manitoba Chambers.

2.6              Notwithstanding Clause  Notwithstanding any other provisions of these by-laws, no business, firm or corporation will be permitted to become a Category 2 Member of the Manitoba Chambers or remain such a Member in good standing unless such business, firm or corporation is also a Member in good standing of a local chamber of commerce which is a Member in good standing of the Manitoba Chambers.  Despite the foregoing, where there is no local chamber of commerce in the place where the business, firm or corporation operates, the Board may dispense with the application of this section 2.6 to such Member.

2.7              Board Final Arbiter  In any disagreement as to what constitutes a local chamber, the Board will be the final arbiter.

2.8              Dues  The annual membership dues will be in an amount as may from time to time be determined by the Board.

2.9              Dues Payable  Dues will be payable to the Manitoba Chambers with the application for membership and are payable on the following basis: 

(a)                Category 1 members: January 1st of each year; 

(b)               Category 2 and 3 members: on the anniversary date of joining the Manitoba Chambers; or

As the Board may from time to time determine.

Membership dues are not refundable 

2.10          Voting Rights  At any Annual General Meeting or Special Meeting, each Category 1 Member in good standing will be entitled to one vote. In all cases a simple majority vote will govern, except as otherwise provided in these by-laws. Each Category 2 Member in good standing is entitled to one vote at all Annual General Meetings and Special Meetings respecting all matters except policy resolutions. Category 3 Members are not entitled to a vote at any meeting. 

2.11          Representation  At any Annual General Meeting or Special Meeting, each Category 1 Member in good standing is entitled to be represented by its members appointed for that purpose, one of whom must be appointed by a certificate signed by the secretary and chair of that Category 1 Member to act as a voting representative of that chamber.  It may also appoint an alternate voting representative who may act during the temporary absence of the voting representative.

2.12          Proxy  A Category 1 Member in good standing may assign to another Category 1 Member in good standing, by a proxy signed by the Member’s secretary, its right to vote, but in no case may a voting representative represent more than that representative’s own and one other chamber. 

            Upon presentation of the necessary proxy to the Corporate Secretary, the voting representative named therein will receive voting accreditation. 

            A proxy must be in such form as the Directors may prescribe; failing such prescription a proxy may be in any usual form. 

2.13          Privileges of the Floor  All persons who are members of Member organizations will have, subject to the rules of parliamentary procedure, the privileges of the floor at all Annual General Meetings and Special Meetings, provided, however, that only the voting representative especially accredited for that purpose will be entitled to vote or introduce or second motions.