Lawyers

Ryan M. Prendergast
Ryan M. Prendergast

Partner

location_on

Orangeville

call (877) 942-0001 ext 279

Ryan was called to the Ontario Bar in 2010 and joined Carters as an associate lawyer, becoming a partner in 2018, with a practice focus of providing corporate and tax advice to charities and non-profit organizations concerning incorporation, ongoing corporate compliance, anti-spam compliance, registration of charities, audits and internal appeals with Canada Revenue Agency, as well as the amalgamation and merger of charities. Ryan has been recognized as a leading expert in charity and not-for-profit law in Canada by Lexpert and The Best Lawyers in Canada, and Chambers and Partners. Ryan graduated from the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, in 2009. Prior to attending law school, Ryan graduated from Glendon College at York University, First Class, with a B.A. in History and a Certificate in Law and Social Thought. During his articles with Carters, Ryan acquired experience in the areas of charity and not- for-profit law, corporate/commercial law, civil litigation, wills and estates, and human rights law. Ryan has co-authored papers for the Law Society of Ontario, and has written articles for The Lawyers Weekly, Hilborn:ECS eNews, and the Ontario Bar Association Charity & Not-for-Profit Law Section Newsletter, and has contributed to several Charity Law Bulletins and other publications on www.charitylaw.ca. Ryan has been a regular presenter at the annual Church & Charity Law™ Seminar, Healthcare Philanthropy: Check-Up, Ontario Bar Association and Imagine Canada Sector Source.
  • B.A. (First Class) York University (2006)
  • LL.B University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law (2009)
  • Ontario Bar (2010)
⁠ 

Publications

Ontario Court Confirms Members Cannot Restrict Board Authority by Amendment to the Articles Without a Unanimous Member Agreement

In Atwood v. National Police Federation, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice considered whether a voting member’s proposal to amend---

Read More

Court Rejects Oppression Claim in Federal Not-for-Profit Election Dispute

In Atwood v. National Police Federation, the Ontario Superior Court dismissed an oppression application brought by Damon Atwood against the National---

Read More

Ontario Court Invalidates By-Law for Bad Faith and Failure to Meet ONCA Approval Requirements

In Chifor, et al v Windsor/Essex County Humane Society, decided on February 4, 2026, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice---

Read More

Ontario Superior Court of Justice Reiterates Importance of Clear Governance Documents

  Clear bylaws and other internal governance documents are the strongest legal protection for charities and not-for-profits. The Ontario Superior---

Read More
 ⁠

Speaking Engagements & Seminar Materials

Gift Acceptance Policies and Donor Agreements: An Integrated Approach

by Jacqueline M. Demczur and Ryan M. Prendergast during the Annual Charity & Not-for-Profit Law Webinar on Nov 14, 2024

Understanding Member Rights & Remedies Under ONCA: A Practical Guide

Presented by Ryan M. Prendergast at the Ontario Bar Association's Charity & Not-for-Profits Law Program on May 14, 2025

Remuneration of Directors of Charities: What's New?

Presented by Ryan M. Prendergast on May 30, 2018 for the Spring 2018 - Carters Charity & NFP Webinar Series

Charities and Politics: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going

Presented by Ryan M. Prendergast at The 2018 Church & Charity Law Seminar