Embarking on business ventures in Canada offers exciting opportunities, but navigating the complex legal and regulatory framework is crucial to success.
Equip yourself with the essential knowledge for a seamless transition – from selecting the right business structure to understanding income and sales taxes, dealing with customs duties, and understanding foreign investment regulations. Explore key areas such as competition laws, securities regulations, immigration policies, employment laws, real estate investment options, privacy and data protection, and intellectual property rights.
Miller Thomson is your go-to resource to establishing and growing your business in Canada with a team of legal professionals offering insights into the business environment and market trends. Contact us for more information.
Take a deeper dive into the key aspects of doing business in Canada
Government and Legal System
Canada is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy.
Quebec Civil Law and Quebec Language Compliance
Special considerations are involved in establishing and carrying on business in Quebec.
Business Organizations
There are a number of different legal vehicles through which a foreign corporation or other foreign entity may carry on business in Canada.
Income Tax
A resident of Canada is subject to Canadian tax on their worldwide income.
Sales Taxes
The Goods and Services Tax imposed by the federal government is a 5% value-added tax on the supply of most goods and services in Canada.
Payroll Taxes
Employers in Canada are required to pay Canada Pension Plan contributions and Employment Insurance premiums to the CRA.
Customs and International Trade
Importers of goods into Canada must pay any applicable customs duty and GST to the Canada Border Services Agency at the time the goods are accounted for.
Foreign Investment Review
Foreign investments in Canada are regulated under the federal Investment Canada Act. Its purpose is to encourage foreign investment in Canada by non-Canadians on terms beneficial to Canada.
Competition Law
The Competition Act governs a variety of business conducts, including misleading and deceptive advertising, deceptive telemarketing, contests and competition issues such as price discrimination.
Securities Law
The regulation of the sale and distribution of securities in Canada is a matter of provincial and territorial jurisdiction.
Immigration
Subject to certain exemptions, individuals cannot work in Canada without a valid work permit.
Employment
Employment relationships in Canada are affected by various sources, including legislation, contracts and common law.
Real Estate Investment
Navigating Canada’s real estate market requires an understanding of the registration systems, title insurance, ownership restrictions for non-residents, and varied land transfer taxes.
Privacy, Data Protection, and Cybersecurity
The collection, use and disclosure of personal information by private sector entities in Canada are governed by the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual property rights, including copyright, trademarks and patents, are of particular importance to doing business in Canada.
