Regulations
Learn More About Compliance Issues
When it comes to starting a business, one of the first decisions you need to make is the legal structure of your business - sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability partnership, or limited company. You'll also need to register your business and you'll need to be aware of many municipal, provincial or federal regulations. The websites in this section will help you.
Registered Charity vs. Nonprofit Organization: What's the difference? | This Government of Canada website explains the difference between a registered charity and a nonprofit organization.
Not-for-profit Corporations Act | The Not-for-profit Corporations Act contains the latest regulatory information for nonprofits in Canada.
Operating a federal not-for-profit corporation | This Government of Canada contains all the information required for operating a not-for-profit corporation including by-laws; Canada Corporations Act, Part II; and next steps following incorporation.
Operating British Columbia not-for-profit organizations | This provincial website includes information for and about not-for-profit organizations in BC, known as societies.
Nonprofit Exemption British Columbia | The BC Human Rights Code allows some non-profit groups to make distinctions that would otherwise be discrimination. Generally, a non-profit organization can give preference to members of a group whose interests are being advanced by the organization.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada - Permits and Licenses Search | Search for the permits and licenses applicable to your industry and location to meet all federal, provincial and municipal regulations.
General Business Resources
BizPaL
This is the one-stop website to assist Canadian businesses that are just starting up, or expanding into new areas. BizPaL asks you a short series of questions about the nature and scope of your current or proposed business. Based on your answers, BizPaL provides you with a customized list of government permits and licences that you may require to operate your business. All of the information that you provide is kept anonymous, and you may save or print your results for future reference.
Canada Revenue Agency - Business
This section of the Canadian federal tax agency's website contains important taxation and documentation requirements that businesses operating in Canada must adhere to.
Small Business BC (SBBC)
SBBC is a great place to start for information on BC specific regulations and guidelines, for whatever stage you are in your business development. This is a great post on the topic.
The Province of British Columbia
Provides information on programs and resources available to small business owners in British Columbia. Includes information on taxes and industry regulations. Start with the Permits, Licences & Registrations section.
British Columbia's online Business Registry is a self-serve application allowing small business owners to complete provincial registrations or incorporations of their business, file name requests on behalf of their business, and store maintenance filings required by British Columbia. Anyone with a BC Registries account may also search for existing businesses and clients, providing access to business information and filings for co-operatives, benefit companies, sole proprietorships, and general partnerships. Use the Business Structures Wizard to help you!