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.
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.
- Restaurant Regulations Made Easy In BC https://smallbusinessbc.ca/resource/programs-publications/restaurant-re…
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.
- In addition to general business licences, the restaurant industry requires specific licences and permits.
Industry Specific Information
BC Ministry of Employment, Business & Economic Development: Liquor Control and Licensing Branch
The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) oversees liquor and non-medical cannabis regulations. These are the rules and laws that govern B.C.'s private retail sale of liquor and non-medical cannabis. The LCRB also supervises the regulation and licensing of establishments and events including restaurants, bars, and pubs; liquor manufacturers; liquor retail stores; and special events involving liquor.
BC Ministry of Health: Food Safety and Security
The BC Ministry of Health imparts information on the importance of food safety in BC, and collects legal resources as well as provincially-mandated health plans and food safety courses.
- Food Safety Legislation
- Food Safety Provincial Policies
- Food Safety Courses
- Food Safety & Sanitation Plans
Vancouver Coastal Health. Inspection Reports Website
Vancouver Coastal Health collates the most recent health inspection reports for premises requiring public health inspection, including the categories of Food Premises, Personal Services Facilities, Community Care Licensing Residential Care, and Child Care establishments.
Fraser Health Authority. Environmental Health Services
Fraser Health Authority collects information needed for new food businesses, current food business operators, food recalls and safety alerts nationwide, inspection results, food safety at home. They also have information on BC’s FOODSAFE courses, comprehensive food safety courses designed for the food service industry.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian federal government agency dedicated to safeguarding food, animals and plants in order to enhance the health and well-being of Canada's people, environment and economy.
- Start here: Information for Restaurateurs and Food Service Operators
- Start here: Restaurant and Food Service Inspection in Canada
Safe Foods for Canadians Regulations
The Safe Foods for Canadians Regulations are intended to improve food safety, and are intended for any food business that needs to comply with the food safety regulations and acts listed. The SFCR generally applies to food for human consumption (including ingredients) that is imported, exported, or inter-provincially traded for commercial purposes.
Health Canada is the Federal department responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health. Health Canada is engaged in various activities related to health, including preserving and modernizing Canada's health care system, enhancing and protecting the health of Canadians, and communicating health promotion and disease prevention.