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SHIA MUSLIM COMMUNITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

Minutes of General meeting held at Az-Zahraa Islamic Centre April 10th, 2015

Chairman: Br. Mohamed Ladak Secretary: Br. Ebrahim Rehmtulla Meeting Start Time: 7:30 pm Members Present at Start: 48 Quorum: 46

Full Members Seyed Jafri Taslim Akbar Mohsin Kamani Ali Shaji Shaikh Habib Dhalla Shabbir Dharsi Mehboob Khaku Zuheir Merali Mohamed Ladak Mohamed A Dewji Shaheen Rashid Hassanali Fazal Jaffer Ladak Akil Khaku Firoz Jessa Khalil Jessa Siddika Jessa Hussein Sheriff Amir Rashid Abbas Mohamed Anisah Rajabali Azeem Moledina M. Iqbal Meghjee Ebrahim Rehmtulla Minaz Fazal Asgar Ladak

Andy Savory Hussein Bhojani Mahmood Jaffer Dr. M. A. Karim Mehdi Khaku Murtaza Walji Mohamed R.M. Merali Abbas Ladak Hasnain Dewji Shabir Dewji Navshina Savory Najmul Jaffer Mohamedhussein Nathu Aarif Rashid Syed Asad Zaidi Mehboob Jetha Firoz Rashid Rameez Nathu Fatema M Dewji Sonia Al-Khafaji Masuma Fazal Shamim Walji Zehra Moledina Parviz Ladak Salma Jaffer Mumtaz Dewji Zahida Jaffer

Nabila Jaffer Batool Ladak Alisha Rajabali Sukeina Jethabhai Saajidah Khaku Sophia Dewji Kaniz Bhimani Samaah Jaffer Fatema Rashid Parveen Akbar Tahera Khaku Zainab Nathu

Associate Members Aftab Hadi Syed Aijaz Husain Zaidi Asif Walji Munnawar Hasham Zahra Jaffer Aaliya

Observers

Ziyana Moledina Farzana Alidina Mansura Alidina Anisah Rajabali Mohamed

1) Quran by Br. Hussein Bhojani 2) Approval of Agenda

Proposed by Br.Zuheir Merali, seconded by Br. Firoz Jessa

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Approved Unanimously

3) Approval of Minutes of previous General Meeting:

Proposed by Br. Mohamed A. Dewji, seconded by Br. Zuheir Merali Approved Unanimously

4) Matters arising from General Meeting

Br. Zuheir Merali asked what is happening with Khums money being sent to Nasimco. The President said we had a conference call with Nasimco about 3 weeks ago where it was confirmed that the CRA audit has been completed. CRA provided recommendations and these new processes will be distributed to all Jamaat’s to be implemented.

Br. Amir Rashid asked if our Jamaat has to do anything different. Br. Mahmood Jaffer said that we don’t have to make any changes, however, Nasimco will need to keep better documents of where the funds are being used and a more detailed records need to be kept.

Br. Zuheir Asked if we have been sending Khums funds to Nasimco. The President said that all khums funds have been sent to Nasimco. He also said that given the new money laundering regulations, it would be better for us to start using funds locally.

Br. Minaz Fazal suggested that given these new restrictions, the new Executive should look at getting Ijaza to spend Seme Imam fund for projects within our community.

Sis. Sidika Jessa said that the World Federation has Ijaza, and they may allow our Jamaat to use Khums funds for our local projects.

5) Presidential Address

Br. Mohamed Ladak started by explaining to the general how large an organization the SMCBC has become. We are a multimillion dollar organization with assets of around $25 million. The responsibility of the Executive Committee has grown significantly. 10% of work by the Executive happens at the Executive meeting and 90% happens outside. Before any individual running for a position should be aware that the time required for these position are great. Br. Mohamed went on to explain each of the roles of the Executive Committee members to ensure that member understood the requirement of each position and the commitment required to hold such positions.

In addition to each Directors roles, each member also has to lead a strategic priority. Each member also have to lead a capital project.

The capital project accomplished last year was to purchase a townhouse for 510K, the outstanding amount is down to 68k.

Although the commitment required in these positions are great, we are hopeful that some members will come back in their position and hopefully we will get some new members that will also join.

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This evening we will be electing a new Membership committee. The work that has been done over the last 2 yrs has been great, but there are new challenges ahead.

Br. Mohamed thanked the Trustee for their ongoing advice and support.

Br. Mohamed also thanked Br. Shaji for all his hard work in maintaining the center by painting, pressure washing etc. Br. Mohamed presented Br. Shaji with a plaque of appreciation.

Br. Mohamed thanked all the subcommittees for organizing events for our members.

6) Membership Committee Report: Br. Syed Jafri started by thanking the Trustee for their ongoing support and Sis Sidika Jessa for her hard work. There were 8 new Associate Family Member approved by the Membership Committee. No vote was require The following Family Full Membership were voted on: Br. Riaz and Sis Fatim Pardhan Br. Munnawer and Sis Salma Hasham Br. Mohamed Hassan Alidina and Sis Shahzia Rashid All 3 Family Membership were approved by majority There were 20 widowed women that were transferred from Deemed members to Full members. No vote was required There were 29 single/widowed women who were eligible to become full members. The general voted on all 29 applications. All 29 applications for full membership were approved by majority. (Include all names) Motion to destroy the ballot proposed by Br. Taslim Akber seconded by Br. Amir Rashid. Br. Hussein Bhojani proposed and seconded by Br. Asad Zaidi to destroy the ballots. Br. Jafri stated that it’s important that before you provide reference, you must ensure that you know the individual for at least 3 years. Br. Habib Dhalla, asked whether the Membership Committee ensure the references are valid. Br. Jafri stated that the committee does their due diligence before accepting any reference. The Membership Committee would like to recommend that the next Membership committee look into implementing a rule that the 3 references must come from different families. Br. Mohamed RM Dewji, asked how is the committee dealing with member who are residennts when their membership is approved and the following year, the member is no longer resident in

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BC. Br. Jafri said that this is a challenge and he would recommend that the new committee look into how this can be addressed. Br. Mohamed A. Dewji, asked if there is a residency exception for students studying abroad. Br. Jafri said that as long as we know the student will be coming back to BC then they can continue to maintain their membership. Br. Firoz Jessa stated that some Seniors who may live with different siblings during the year and as a result may not reside in BC for more than 183 days. Br. Jafferi said that there is no exception for this scenario in the constitution. The President thanked the members of the Membership Committee for all their hard work.

7) Director Reports Program Director – Br. Mehboob Br. Mehboob thanked Br. Asger and Sis Nargis Ladak for all their assistance. Br. Mehboob also thanks the Executive for their support. He also thanked all Volunteer. He also thanked Br Andy Savory, Br. Firoz Rashid and Br. Shaheen Rashid. Director of Public Relations & Communications – Br. Mahmood Jaffer Br. Firoz Jessa asked that given it’s an election year, have we invited any local politicians. Br. Mahmood said that we have not invited anyone, but will consider it. Maintenance Report – Br. Jaffer Nathu Br. Firoz Rashid asked about the water leak in the mosque. Br. Jaffer said that he is aware of this and he is working with a roofing company to solve this issue. Br. Jaffer stated that we are in the process of upgrading all our lighting to LED. Br. Shabir Dharsi said that we have storage problem at our center. Br. Jaffer said that Br. Mehboob Khaku has taken on this project and we are adding additional storage throughout the center. Br. Andy Savory asked why we are considering putting fence around our entire property. Br. Jaffer said that this is for the safety of our children as there often is wildlife around. Br. Mohamed A. Dewji is in charge of completing this project. Br. Shabir Dharsi also said that the security audit done by the RCMP suggested that the whole property needs to be fenced. Director of Operational Transformation – Br. Iqbal Meghjee Br. Iqbal highlighted that the rental revenue dropped in 2014 due to some of our Arab brothers no longer rent our gym during the weekend. However, there are more sports events that are now taking place in the gym. Director of Religious and Cultural Affairs – Br. Hussein Bhojani Br. Hussein thanked the members of the Jamaat for all their support throughout the year. Director of Internal Affairs – Br. Minaz Fazal

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Director of Education – Br. Shaheen Rashid Br. Shaheen thanked Shaykh Murtaza, the school board and all the brother and sisters that help with the Madrasah and the School. Br. Shaheen stated that the new Principal Mr. Scopa has made a huge different to the school. Unfortunately, he has also provided his resignation as of the end of the current school year. Br. Shaheen mentioned that the school plans on spending money on capital projects that includes, new playground, removal of walls to change class size, mobile science and technology lab, basketball hoops, storage, SMART boards, etc.

8) Financial Update and revised Capital Budget 2015 Br. Mahmood Merali, was not at the meeting so the President went over the financials and revised Capital Budget. Br. Mohamed said that the operational budget has not changed and was approved at the last GM. However, the capital budget has changed. Also, we currently have a donor that has agreed to match all donations collected for Capital projects up to $100,000. The only condition of the donor is that all capital projects must be completed by the end of the year. We also have a donor from an estate of a Marhoom that will provide $20,000 for the memory wall, $30,000 to Madrasah and school, and additional funds to the general fund. Br. Azeem Moledina suggested that given that our loan on the capital property has also been paid off, that we should look to invest in new Capital property. Br. Habib Dhalla proposed and seconded by Br. Hassanali Fazal to approve the revised Capital Budget. Approved by Majority

9) Az-Zahraa Islamc Academy Budget 2015

Br. Shaheen Rashid reviewed the Actual results to Dec 2014. 75K of surplus is being moved from the operational surplus to the capital project fund. He then went on to talk about the different capital projects, including, the playground, changing the size of classrooms, storage etc. The total funds required for the capital projects is about 300K. Projects will only be done if funds are collected. Sis. Sukeina Jethabhai asked if we have any drawings for the playground. Br. Shaheen said that we looked at 4 different designs and we have chosen Habitat as the supplier. There are drawings for the playground and this can be available for community members to view once some more detail has been finalized. The school children, parents and madressah have had the opportunity to have input in this process. Br. Iqbal Meghjee is asking that the school board is asking the general to approve a budget 8 months into the year. Br. Shaheen said that normally they know their registration around September/October, but unfortunately they did not have the budget ready for the last GM in

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December 2014. Br. Iqbal also asked why the actual figures are only to Dec 2014 and not to at least Feb 2015. Br. Shaheen said that this was an oversight. Br. Ebrahim reiterated that the budget needs to be presented a lot sooner in the school year and the actual figures need to be more current.

Proposed by Br.Shaheen Rashid, seconded by Br. Mohamed A. Dewji

Approved by majority

10) Elections: Trustee:

Amir Rashid, nominated Asad and seconded Taslim Akber

Shabir Dharsi, nominated by Asger Ladak sec. Mehdhi Khaku

Br. Shabir Dharsi withdrew his nomination. Br. Amir Rashid was elected as a Trustee with a 94% approval. Nomination Committee: 2 individuals to be elected to the committee.

Br. Firoz Jessa nominated by Khalil Jessa seconded by Habib Dhalla

Br. Shabir Dharsi nominated by Br. Shabir Dewji seconded by Khalil Jessa Br. Firoz Jessa and Br. Shabir Dharsi were elected by eclamation Membership Committee

Mohamed R.M Dewji prop by Asad sec by Taslim Akber

Br. Habib Dhalla, prop by Hassnali Fazal sec by Mehboob Khaku

Sis Farzana Alidina, prop by sis Sidika Jessa

Syed Jafri, prop taslim akber, sec Asad

Azeem Moledina, Prop Sidika Jessa sec Najmul Jaffer Br. Habib Dhalla and Sis Farzana Alidina were elected. Prop Br. Mohamed A. Dewji and sec Br. Asad to destroy the ballet Executive Committee: Vice President Br. Mohamed A Dewji prop by Mohamed R.M Dewji sec Hussein Bhojani.

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Mohamed A Dewji elected by acclamation Programs Director Br. Mehboob Khaku, prop by Asad sec by Akil Khaku. Br. Mehboob Khaku elected by acclamation Treasurer Br. Ebrahim Rehmtulla, prop Mehboob Khaku, sec Najmul Jaffer Br. Ebrahim Rehmtulla elected by acclamation Internal Affairs Director Sis Zahraa Jaffer, prop Parviz Ladak, sec Mehboob Khaku Sis Zahraa Jaffer elected by acclamation Director of Religious and Cultural Affairs Br. Abbas Ladak, prop by Hasnain Dewji, sec Mehdi Khaku Br. Abbas Ladak elected by acclamation Director of Education Sis Navshina Savory prop by Br Khalil Jessa, sec by Sis Sama Jaffer Sis Navshina Savory elected by acclamation Director of Maintenance Br. Mehdi Khaku, prop by Br Azeem Moledina, sec by Br Khalil Jessa Br. Jaffer Nathu, prop by Syed Jafri and sec by Br. Shaji Br. Mehdi Khaku elected. Prop Br. Zuheir Merali and sec Br. Andy Savory to destroy the ballet Director of Operational Transformation Br. Abbas Mohamed prop by Mehboob Khaku sec by Shabir Dewji Br. Abbas Mohamed elected by acclamation Director of Public Relations Br. Azeem Moledina prop by Br. Mohamed A. Dewji sec Br. Shabir Dewji Br. Hussein Bhojani, prop by Sis. Salma Jaffer, sec Br. Firoz Jessa

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Br. Azeem Moledina elected Motion to destroy the ballets prop by Firoz Jessa and sec by Asad.

Closing Remarks: The president thanked all the Directors for their hard work over the last 2 yrs. The committee achieve a lot over the 2 years and many of the goals set at the start of their term were achieved.

11) Any other Business

Br. Mohamed Ladak mentioned that sis Kaniz Jetha in the past has brought up the issue of how we engage the youths. Br. Mohamed said that we will make this a priority for the upcoming term.

Br. Jaffer Ladak stated that we have to take the farming seriously as it provides us a large tax break.

Br. Khalil Jessa stated that there is lot of Islamophobia going on. It’s time we are more politically engaged and write letters to our politicians.

Meeting Adjourn at: 11:55 pm

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MINUTES - Extraordinary General Meeting Friday October 9, 2015 7:30pm

Chairman: Br. Mohamed Ladak Secretary: Br. Shaheen Rashid Meeting Start Time: 7:30 pm Members Present at Start: 52 Quorum Required: 50

Full Members Zainab Bhojani Fatema M. Dewji Mumtaz (Shabir) Dewji Samaah Jaffer Zerabanu Dewji Sabira Dharsi Nabila Najmul Jaffer Sukaina Jaffer Zahra Jaffer Kaniz Jetha Batool Ladak Abida Merali Habiba Lakhani Merchant Zarin Pardhan Sukaina Jagani Pasha Fatema Rashid Hamida Rashid Maher Rashid Naaz Rashid Navshina Savory Tasliam Akbar Mustafa Ali Hussein Bhojani

Hassanali Dewji Mohamed A. Dewji Mohamed R.M. Dewji Muhammad Qassim Dewji MuhammadYasir Dewji Shabir Dewji Habib Dhalla ShabbirAli Dharsi Hassanali Fazal Minaz Fazal Mahmood S Jaffer Gulamabbas Jagani Hameed Jagani Mehboob Jetha Akil Khaku Mehboob Khaku Abbas Ladak Asgar Ladak Mohamed J Ladak Akber Manji Zuher Manji Amir Meghji Mahmood Merali Zuheir Merali

Mohammad Raza Merchant Mazahere Pardhan Mohamed Pardhan Hasan Pasha Amir Rashid Firoz Rashid Habib Rashid Hassanali Rashid Shaheen Rashid Ebrahim Rehmtulla Andy Savory Ali (Shawji) Shaikh Kurban Virji Syed Asad Abbas Zaidi Murtaza Tharoo

Observers Madiha Zehra Ruqayyah Merali Haider Rahemtulla Yusuf Savory Mohamed Alarakia

Til’awat of Holy Qur’an Recitation of Qur’an

Approval of Agenda Proposed by Br. Andy and seconded by Br. Amir Rashid

Property Purchase Presentation

Br. Mohamed Ladak gave a short presentation about the property coming up for sale next door, and that it was in good conscience that we pursue the opportunity to purchase. We entered a negotiation with the seller to allow us to do due diligence on the purchase,

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including, most importantly, general approval. We made sure through the negotiation that there was no clause that the seller could apply duress to us through this process – they initially wanted a 72-hour clause in place that would have forced our hand if they received another offer, but we had this removed. We have until Nov 2nd to remove subjects.

This general membership approval is the first step in the process, and we are taking it without having spent much funds, we have started the loan application process, and have scheduled the appraisal. Of course we would not be able to purchase the property until we have collected the funds for the down-payment as well.

We have also reached out to NASIMCO and World Federation to try and get khums ijaza. Br. Mohamed A Dewji is actually going to Toronto tonight to join the World Federation meeting.

Br. Mohamed Ladak also updated the community on the proposed highway widening, and the potential of the province/city compensating the community for property that they would need to expropriate in order to accommodate the highway expansion. To accommodate the land that the BCMA would lose as well, they may need additional land from the 8320 No 5 Rd property.

In terms of the needs of the community, we don’t know exactly will be needed by the community in the future, but we do know that there are already needs. The School, Madrasah, etc. are at or reaching capacity. There may be opportunities for business/community co-working space.

Br. Mahmood Merali explained also that there may be an opportunity to work with the Bhuddist Centre that have purchased 8480 No 5 road, as they are having challenges with parking space, and assembly zoning, we might be able to amalgamate our property together and offer the Bhuddist community a section on the 8320 property.

Discussion Br. Ebrahim asked if the back area was to be expropriated, would

we lose the area that would be used as assembly? It is a good

question, and would be preferable to try and get clarification from

the city prior to the purchase. Br. Hameed clarified that through

discussions he’s had with city, it is 110m from No 5 road curbside

that is usable for assembly, so the expropriation would not affect

the assembly usability

Br. Mohamed Ladak confirmed that property taxes won’t go up to

commercial rates until the construction starts, and then we would

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need to farm and seek charitable exemptions

Br. Andy pointed out that this is the only property available for us

to expand on

Br. Mahmood Jaffer reiterated that having been a part of the

discussions with the BCMA and province, that we really have a

good opportunity for negotiation with the city and province, it is a

time of opportunity to see what can be done.

Sr. Navshina asked that if the province had been in negotiation

with the BCMA, why didn’t they look into purchasing that

property? We have taken advantage of this opportunity by locking

up this property.

Br. Mohamed Ladak stated that through the legal transfer we

need to make sure that we would be the ones benefiting from the

compensation of the expropriation, not the current owners

Br. Habib Dhalla asked financially if we got the down payment,

what would be the carrying costs of the debt? It would be about

$87k/year. We would want to try and minimize the amount that

we borrow from the bank – for example, the townhouse that we

purchase, we have not spent any interest payments (except for a

few weeks in the beginning).

Br. Andy asked if we can work with the province to put pressure

on the city in terms of zoning and building options.

Br. Mahmood Jaffer asked about the GST – what about property

transfer tax? We would be exempt from property transfer tax

being a charitable organization, but would have to pay the GST

since it is vacant land, but we would get 50% back.

Br. Mohamed Raza Merchant asked if we would be willing to sell

the townhouse in order to help pay off the property? It is always

and option, but it is a decision that the community would have to

make.

Br. Kurban Virji asked what would we be wanting to build on it?

We would need to engage the community to determine what we

can build on it. We can build right away if we want. Kurban uncle

reiterated that we don’t need seniors housing that close, it can be

further away where we can build apartment buildings

Br. Abbas Ladak asked what commitment each member would

have to commit to the property? At this point, we have tried to

talk to individuals and families to get their commitments for $25k

each, and only 16-18 have so far been able to commit. We haven’t

gone outside the community yet, we don’t have khums ijaza yet,

but these are also going to help.

Sr. Mumtaz Dewji asked what we might be able to get from the

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expropriation of the property? We had asked the province to give

us that information prior to this meeting, but they did not yet.

Remember, if we don’t have the down payment committed prior

to Nov 2, we will not go forward.

Br. Mohamed RM Dewji asked again if the discussion has been

had about what time frame we would like to pay off the complete

debt? We would negotiate the payment terms with individual

donors or those that give interest free loans.

Br. Mohamed RM Dewji asked when we apply for khums, we need

to present business case, what did we say – the same thing as was

mentioned here, the community use, school, madrasah, etc.

Br. Hassanali Fazal asked about the land that the province is

looking to expropriate our side, could they change their mind and

expand on the east side of the road? They are probably doing

both, but anything is possible. There is also some electrical wiring

on the east side that cannot be moved. The project is going public

later this fall

Ordinary Resolution Executive committee proposed the following Ordinary Resolution:

“Resolved that, the Executive Committee, is hereby given the mandate to purchase the property at 8320 No 5 Road for the community, within the following guidelines:

1) Fundraising will be done to make the down payment towards the property purchase. If the property is not purchased, funds will be returned to the donor. 2) The property will be purchased in the name of SMCBC. 3) Funds may be borrowed from financial institution(s), but preferably through Karze-Hassana or interest-free loans from individuals. Bank mortgage will not exceed 75% loan to property purchase price (incl taxes/fees). 4) The purchase price not to exceed a maximum of $4,240,000 (plus taxes and fees) 5) All requisite title searches, inspections, environmental analysis and other legal due diligence if required, must be undertaken prior to purchase of the property. 6) A budget of $10,000 for due diligence is also approved”

Some questions from the general: Will the bank require personal guarantees? We can add the townhome as collateral, but the mosque as per constitution cannot be put as collateral.

Resolution Carried, with vote of 52 in favour and 8 against, one abstained

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Special Resolution Executive committee proposed the following Special Resolution:

“Resolved that, the Executive Committee, and Trustees, is hereby given the mandate to borrow up to a maximum of $3.5 million dollars to purchase the property at 8320 No 5 Road for the community, following specific guidelines set out by the General, by ordinary resolution. Funds would be borrowed in the name of SMCBC."

Some comments and questions from the general: Will our current centre be mortgaged? No charge will be registered on 8580 No 5 Rd. Can the Jamaat pay 15k per month for a year? We do have cash in our accounts, of about $350k, also when we got the townhouse, we acquired a line of credit of $350k as well, so we will have sufficient cashflow to manage the debt. Resolution Carried, with vote of 49 in favour and 11 against

Motion to destroy ballots, approved.

Closing remarks Br. Mohamed Ladak closed with this statement - Time for each one of us to put our money where our mouths are, and step up and give our support, both financially and through our actions.

This potentially has positive benefits for our generations to come.

Adjourned at 10:20pm