Are Ec’s required for admission?
I don’t think so. As far as I know, a poor personal profile generally can’t keep you out, but a good personal profile (e.g. an Eagle Scout and Biology Olympiad winner with a great life story) can make up for deficient grades. Many Canadian universities don’t even care about extracurriculars for non-Commerce students.
AFAIK, Sauder (Commerce) places the most emphasis on extracurriculars. Arts also places a lot of emphasis.
https://www.ubyssey.ca/news/how-ubc-grades-your-broad-based-admission-essays/