What NNAC Does for Its Member Clubs

Discover the Power of Connection with NNAC

 “Connecting Clubs. Creating Community.”

The National Newcomers Association of Canada (NNAC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting Newcomer and Friendship clubs across the country. For over 50 years, NNAC has been the backbone of a vibrant network that helps people connect, build friendships, and feel at home in their communities. Here’s what NNAC offers to its member clubs:

✅ Guidance and Support
We provide advice on club organization, governance, and best practices to help your club thrive. Whether you’re starting a new club or growing an existing one, NNAC is here to assist every step of the way.

✅ Networking Opportunities
NNAC connects clubs nationwide, fostering collaboration and sharing of ideas. Through regional and national meetings, workshops, and online forums, your club can learn from others and build lasting partnerships.

✅ Discounted Insurance Coverage
Member clubs benefit from access to low-cost, comprehensive insurance through our national provider. Coverage includes General Liability, Directors & Officers, Liquor Liability endorsements, and more, giving your club peace of mind at an affordable rate.

✅ Resources for Club Development
From sample bylaws to activity ideas, NNAC offers practical tools to help clubs organize events, recruit members, and maintain vibrant social calendars.

✅ Community and Belonging
By joining NNAC, your club becomes part of a nationwide network committed to creating community and fostering friendships.

Why Join NNAC?
Membership means more than just benefits—it means being part of a supportive, connected community that values inclusion, friendship, and fun. With over 55 clubs and 8,000+ members across Canada, NNAC is your partner in creating meaningful connections.

What We Do for Our Member Clubs

The National Newcomers Association of Canada (NNAC) is your partner in building vibrant, welcoming communities. As a member club, you gain access to:

  • Guidance & Resources
    Practical tools, templates, and advice to help your club thrive.
  • Nationwide Networking
    Share ideas and connect with clubs across Canada.
  • Affordable Insurance Coverage
    Comprehensive protection for your events and leadership.
  • Community & Belonging
    Be part of a network that celebrates friendship and inclusion.

Why Join NNAC?
Membership means more than benefits—it means belonging.

Who can become a member of NNAC?

NNAC welcomes newcomer and alumni/ae social clubs from across Canada to join our organization. Our organization is made up of these clubs represented by the women and men who independently run the clubs.     

Does our club have to be incorporated to join NNAC?

No, the decision to incorporate is up to each club. 

How does a club incorporate? 

Contact your provincial government agency:

Can our club get insurance and from who? How do we contact them? 

NNAC is pleased to be able to offer insurance through Cooperators Insurance. 

While insurance coverage is not mandatory to belong to National Newcomer’s Association of Canada, the Board of Directors strongly encourages it.

Is Director & Officer (D&O) insurance offered? 

Yes, Cooperators does offer this coverage.

Are waiver forms required?

The decision of whether and how to use waivers rests with each club. Waiver forms are not required as a condition of membership with NNAC but are recommended. 

  • The waiver form should be kept on file and renewed annually; the form type used is up to each club  
  • Waivers usually form part of the renewal or application process, either by signature or tick box
  • Some clubs use event specific waivers for riskier events e.g. hiking
  • Some clubs have spouses sign an event specific waiver if they will attend an event
  • An alternative to this is to have a ‘social’ membership for the spouse at a reduced rate, which means they would sign a waiver and also could include them in the insurance 

In 2016, NNAC was able to receive direction from an Ontario jurist as to whether we should provide member clubs with a generic waiver. We were advised that as laws vary from province to province a “one-size-fits-all” form is not possible.  What we are able to do is provide you with examples of waivers that you can adapt to suit your needs. Waivers are not a legal document that will stand up in court alone but they do indicate intent which can be of help. 

Please email nnac.executive@gmail.com for more information and waiver templates.

How much money can our club have in the bank? 

As long as money is fluid, meaning flowing in and out of the account, there is no minimum or maximum that a club can have in its bank account.  Most provinces do not allow not-for-profits to have monies in a fixed instrument e.g. GIC. If in doubt check with an accountant in your province. 

How long should we be keeping club documents i.e. meeting minutes, government filings etc.

Per Canada Revenue Agency, financial records should be kept for six (6) years plus the current year. 

Record retention for other club documents varies by province. Records can be kept in paper format or electronically and must be available to be seen by a club member if requested. 

  • Alberta 7 years
  • British Columbia 10 years
  • Saskatchewan 7 years
  • Nova Scotia 6 years 
  • Ontario 7 years   

What are bylaws and does a club need them? Are there sample bylaws available? 

Bylaws are your club’s internal affairs guidebook and should be available and shared with all club members. Your bylaws establish procedures for holding elections, organizing meetings, quorum requirements, membership, dues and discipline procedures, prohibitions, makeup and duties of the executive, financial dealings and governance over record keeping, fiscal year and process for amending bylaws. Sample bylaws are available by contacting nnac.executive@gmail.com. You should also consult with your provincial government agency. NNAC high recommends clubs have their own bylaws.  

Can NNAC settle disputes within clubs? 

No, NNAC is not a governing body. We can provide support, direction and advice to clubs in the case of disputes but ultimately each club makes its own decisions.   

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