Organized 1869 “to provide assistance in time of sickness and at the death of its Members” The requirement for membership is “temperate, respectable men and practical Catholics”. The group seems to have been a moderate alternative to the Ancient Order of Hibernians who were tainted with association with the Molly Maguires.
The EBA of Canada was organized in 1874 and incorporated in 1893. It is governed by a Grand Branch. The local unit is called a Subordinate Branch and the ladies unit is called a Circle.
The Grand Branch of the Emerald Beneficial Association of Canada was incorporated in Ontario on 1893 Jun 30
Click for a list of Branches and Circles in Ontario
References:
Grand Branch incorporation: Archives of Ontario, RG 55-8, box 5, file 285