Small Business Lawyer in Toronto
Work with small business lawyers in Toronto to get clear and practical legal guidance you can rely on. Insight Law Firm helps startups, small and established businesses for incorporation, contracts, and ongoing legal requirements with confidence.
Serving Clients Across Ontario
Remote Services Available
Effective Legal Representation
Client Focused & Flexible
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Why Business Owners Choose Us for Legal Consultation in Toronto
Businesses choose Insight Law Firm in Toronto for our knowledgeable and experienced business lawyers supporting businesses across a wide range of legal needs, and our track record of delivering strategic, trusted legal guidance.
Knowledgeable Legal Professionals
We are a team of 3 knowledgeable and experienced corporate and small business lawyers in Toronto who provide practical, strategic guidance to our clients on Ontario’s business laws and corporate matters.
Experienced Small Business Lawyers
Our team of lawyers brings a strong depth of practical legal experience to handle corporate mergers, shareholder agreements, and regulatory filings for small businesses across Ontario.
Proven Track Record
Insight Law Professional Corporation has served over 800 clients in Ontario by handling their corporate contracts, business disputes, and compliance matters under Ontario and federal business regulations.
Flexible Scheduling
We offer flexible scheduling with online booking to assist businesses in arranging consultations for shareholder agreements, intellectual property matters, and employment law issues at their convenience.
Ongoing Compliance Support
Our ongoing compliance support helps businesses stay up to date with corporate filings, regulatory changes, and employment law requirements beyond one-time legal services.
Online Appointment Booking
Insight Law Firm offers online appointment booking option with a quick turnaround,, enabling prompt responses and timely legal support.
OUR REVIEWS
Client Reviews about Our Corporate Legal Services
Check real-time reviews and appreciation from our clients from Toronto small businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs and established businesses to whom we served with our corporate legal services.
Experienced Small Business Lawyer in Toronto
We have a team of experienced small business lawyers who handle corporate and business legal matters for our clients. Our business lawyers include Demet Altunbulakli, Principal Lawyer; Jouvana Killiny, Associate Lawyer; and Hilal Celegen, Associate Lawyer.
Business Legal Services We Offer in Toronto
We offer comprehensive legal services to Toronto businesses that include corporate maintenance, incorporation, business contracts, Section 85 and 86 rollovers, and buying or selling a business. Our experienced small business lawyers also assist with franchise law, commercial financing, commercial real estate transactions and commercial leasing.
Business Contracts & Agreements
Business contracts and agreements is a legal service that involves drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial, shareholder, employment, and franchise contracts to establish clear rights, obligations, and responsibilities under provincial and federal law. We assist you in structuring agreements that protect your business interests, mitigate risk, and align with applicable laws and regulatory requirements. Our lawyers at Insight Law Professional Corporation provide practical guidance on creating enforceable and commercially sound contracts according to the requirements of your business.
Our business contracts and agreements services include the following support.
- Contract drafting, review and negotiations
- Shareholder agreements
- Employment contracts
- Independent Contractor Agreements
- Franchise agreements
- Commercial leases
- Partnership agreements
- Joint venture agreements
- Share Purchase & Sale Agreements
- Asset Purchase & Sale Agreements
- Letters of Intent
- Non-Disclosure Agreements
- Service Agreements
Business Incorporation
Incorporation is a foundational legal service that establishes a business as a separate legal entity under Canadian corporate law to give owners liability protection and a clear governance structure. Our business lawyers help entrepreneurs and small business owners start on a legally compliant footing while maintaining proper records and statutory adherence. Our legal team assists in setting up corporate structures, shareholder transparency, and organized documentation from day one.
We guide clients through both provincial and federal incorporations, handling all required legal filings and organizational documents We provide end-to-end incorporation services, including:
- Preparation and filing of Articles and Certificates of Incorporation
- Director and shareholder resolutions
- Share subscriptions and issuance of share certificates
- Corporate by-laws and organizational records
- Filing of initial returns (Form 1 and Form 2)
- Corporate name searches and NUANS reports
Buying or Selling a Business
Buying or selling a business is a transactional legal process that involves structuring and managing the transfer of ownership interests, assets, or shares in accordance with Ontario and Canadian business law.. Insight Law Firm provides this service to support buyers and sellers by structuring transactions to preserve commercial value and align transaction terms with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.Our lawyers manage the process from agreement drafting & negotiation to closing so ownership changes occur with clear rights, enforceable obligations, and complete closing records.
Our legal services for the purchase or sale of a business include the following deliverables.
- Asset or share purchase transactions
- Letters of intent and confidentiality agreements
- Due diligence on contracts, liabilities, and compliance
- Drafting and negotiating purchase agreements
- Coordinating closing documents and filings
Franchise Law
Franchise law is a business legal service that regulates how a franchise system is created, disclosed, sold, and operated under Canadian franchise legislation including Ontario’s Arthur Wishart Act. Our lawyers help franchisors and franchisees structure franchise relationships with clear disclosure duties, enforceable agreements, and controlled risk exposure. Our legal support helps businesses expand or invest through franchising with legally sound documents and compliant operational frameworks.
Our franchise legal services include the following core components.
- Franchise system establishment
- Franchise disclosure document (FDD) preparation and updates
- Franchise agreement drafting, review, or negotiation
- Legal compliance advisory under applicable franchise law
- Franchise sale or purchase transactions
- Ongoing franchise governance and legal support
Commercial Real Estate Transactions
Commercial real estate transactions are a legal service that involves buying, selling, leasing, and transferring commercial properties under real estate and corporate laws. We assist businesses in protecting their investments by identifying legal obligations, negotiating terms, and managing risks that can impact property ownership and operations. Our lawyers guide clients through documentation, due diligence, and closing procedures to assure legally compliant and smooth property transactions.
Our commercial real estate transaction services include the following key deliverables.
- Financing and loan documentation
- Assist with purchase or sale transaction
- Title & off-title searches
- Property acquisition and due diligence
- Contract review and negotiation
- Commercial lease agreement drafting and review
- Commercial lease agreement negotiation
Employment Law
Our employment lawyers help Toronto businesses develop compliant workplace structures, manage workforce transitions, and reduce workplace legal risk. We also assist employees with reviewing employment agreements, severance packages, and workplace disputes to help them understand their legal rights and obligations under Ontario employment law.
Our employment law services include:
- Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating employment agreements, including executive contracts
- Preparing independent contractor agreements and advising on worker classification
- Drafting workplace policies and employee handbooks
- Advising on termination procedures, severance entitlements, and termination documentation
- Preparing and reviewing non-competition, non-solicitation, and confidentiality agreements
- Advising on Ontario employment standards compliance
- Assisting with layoffs, workforce restructuring, and employee transitions
- Assisting with wrongful dismissal and constructive dismissal matters
- Preparing employment settlement agreements and dispute resolution documentation
Corporate Maintenance & Minute Book Updates
Corporate maintenance and minute book updates is a compliance-focused service that involves preparing, organizing, and maintaining official corporate records including shareholder and director registers. Our corporate lawyers offer corporate maintenance service to help your business stay fully compliant with Ontario and Canadian corporate laws by preparing and updating minute books, maintaining shareholder and director records, and adhering to Transparency Register rules.
Our corporate maintenance and minute book updates services include the following deliverables.
- Articles of Incorporaion and any Articles of Amendment
- Corporate by-laws
- Director & officer registers
- Shareholder and share transfer registers
- Shareholders ledger
- Share certificates
- Directors & Shareholders resolutions Drafting resolutions for board meetings
- Preparing & submitting regulatory filings
Section 85 & 86 Rollover
Section 85 & 86 rollovers is a specialized tax planning service that allows business owners transfer eligible properties to a corporation on a tax-deferred basis under Canadian Income Tax Act provisions. A Section 85 rollover lets shareholders move assets into a corporation in return for shares by postponing any immediate tax obligations. A Section 86 rollover allows the exchange of existing shares for new shares without causing immediate taxation. We help make transfers smooth and legally sound by guiding you through compliance, documentation, and strategic planning.
Our Section 85 and 86 rollover services include the key tasks listed below.
Reviewing eligibility for rollover transactions
Identifying assets eligible for rollover treatment
Structuring rollover transactions to support tax-deferred outcomes
Preparing and coordinating required legal documentation
Providing ongoing legal guidance throughout the transaction
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) involve the legal process of buying, selling, or combining businesses, including deal structuring, due diligence, contract drafting, and closing transactions in compliance with Canadian corporate and regulatory laws. Our experienced corporate lawyers support businesses by aligning business purchase, sale, and expansion transactions with clear objectives, strategic management goals, and equity interests while controlling exposure to liabilities and regulatory requirements. Our lawyers focus on protecting value, preserving deal certainty, and setting clear legal paths for growth, exit, or consolidation as ownership changes.
Our legal services for mergers and acquisitions include the following key workstreams.
- Preparing businesses for sale by reviewing corporate records, formalizing key commercial relationships, and identifying legal readiness issues
- Drafting and negotiating letters of intent, confidentiality agreements, and related preliminary transaction documents
- Coordinating with tax and financial advisors to support transaction structuring
- Conducting and facilitating legal due diligence on corporate records, contracts, and material assets
- Preparing and reviewing purchase agreements and related transaction documents
- Advising directors and management on fiduciary duties and shareholder rights, where applicable
- Managing transaction closings and coordinating post-closing corporate record updates
- Identifying required third-party consents and supporting regulatory and compliance requirements, as applicable
Commercial Leasing
Commercial leasing is a business law service that involves drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial lease agreements between landlords and tenants while ensuring compliance with property and commercial laws. Our commercial lawyers guide businesses in managing commercial leases by clarifying obligations, identifying risks in rent, terms, and renewals, and simplifying complex legal jargon that can affect operational control. We also support clients in resolving disputes, structuring favorable terms, and protecting business interests during lease execution and enforcement.
Our commercial leasing services also involve the following key tasks.
- Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial lease agreements
- Advising on key lease terms, including rent structures, renewal rights, termination clauses, and operating costs
- Preparing and reviewing offers to lease and lease amendments
- Assisting with assignments, subleases, and lease transfers
- Advising on landlord and tenant rights and obligations
- Coordinating lease execution and related closing documentation
- Supporting clients with lease compliance and ongoing lease matters
Independent Legal Advice (ILA)
Independent legal advice (ILA) is a legal consultation service that provides corporate and individual clients with impartial guidance on business agreements to make sure informed business decisions are made with a full understanding of legal implications under applicable laws. We help small businesses by clarifying rights, obligations, and potential risks in contracts while confirming that agreements are executed voluntarily and knowledgeably. Our experienced corporate lawyers review, explain, and document independent legal advice to protect you from future disputes or claims of misrepresentation.
Our independent legal advice includes the following key areas of support.
- Reviewing the relevant legal documents in detail
- Explaining rights, obligations, and legal consequences in plain language
- Confirming that the client understands the agreement and is signing voluntarily
- Identifying potential legal risks and implications
- Answering questions and addressing concerns
- Issuing a Certificate of Independent Legal Advice & Acknowledgement of Independent Legal Advice, where required
- Coordinating with lenders, lawyers, or other parties involved in the transaction
Shareholders Agreements
Shareholder agreements are the legal rights, duties, and decision-making rules between shareholders within a Canadian corporation under federal or provincial corporate statutes. Shareholder agreements matter because ownership conflicts, exit events, or management deadlocks can disrupt corporate affairs and business continuity if not addressed early. Insight Law Firm’s legal support focuses on structuring enforceable agreements that reduce shareholder disputes and clarify control, governance, and financial expectations.
Our shareholder agreements services also include the following key tasks.
- Drafting share transfer and restriction provisions
- Establishing voting thresholds and approval mechanics
- Structuring dividend and profit distribution terms
- Defining exit rights, buy-sell mechanisms, and shotgun clauses
- Addressing dispute resolution and deadlock procedures
ABOUT OUR FIRM
How Can Our Firm Help You?
Insight Law Professional Corporation is a law firm in Toronto specializing in Real Estate Law, Business and Commercial Law, Wills & Estates, Family Law and Criminal Law.
We have the experience to assist clients, whether they are starting a new business, purchasing or selling a property, or creating a Will.
We dedicate ourselves to ensuring clients’ success through personalized service, practical advice, and effective solutions.
Client Focused
We prioritize client satisfaction and take a personalized approach with friendly and knowledgeable service.
Transparent
Our fixed prices and hourly rates are visible upfront, and most add-ons are fixed line items.
Flexible
We understand that our clients may be busy and unavailable during normal working hours. We are happy to work with you to find a time that suits your needs.
Who We Serve for Corporate Legal Services in Toronto
We provide expert legal services to startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), corporations, entrepreneurs, shareholders, professional service providers, and franchisors/franchisees in Toronto. Our services are designed to protect growth while proactively managing financial, operational, and regulatory risks of businesses.
Startups and Early-Stage Businesses
We assist startups and early-stage businesses in Toronto by structuring incorporation, protecting intellectual property, and negotiating early funding agreements to support scalable growth.
Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Our corporate lawyers help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) navigate regulatory compliance, manage shareholder agreements, and advise on commercial contracts.
Incorporated Companies and Corporations
Insight Law Professional Corporation helps incorporated businesses and corporations in Toronto with corporate governance, regulatory filings, and strategic legal planning to protect shareholder interests.
Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Our legal team provides entrepreneurs and business owners with personalized business law advice on business formation, contracts, and risk management to safeguard their growth.
Partnerships and Shareholders
We assist partnerships and shareholders in Toronto by structuring agreements, resolving disputes, and protecting equity interests for management and governance of the partnership.
Professional Service Providers
Our corporate lawyers safeguard the practices and reputations of professional service providers in Toronto by reviewing their contracts, managing liability exposure, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Franchise and Financing
Insight Law Firm supports franchise owners and businesses looking for financing by reviewing franchise and loan agreements. We maintain compliance with franchise laws and assist in mitigating financial and legal risks to support sustainable business growth.
Growing and Expanding Businesses in Toronto
We help growing businesses in Toronto by managing corporate compliance, corporate reorganizations, optimizing transactions, and providing strategic legal guidance.
How Does Our Small Business Legal Process Work?
Our approach to small business law starts with understanding your business goals and potential risks, followed by ongoing legal support to protect your business and maintain compliance with the Canada Business Corporations Act and Ontario Business Corporations Act.
Step 1
Initial Contact
Step 2
Speak With a Lawyer
Step 3
Intake & Preparation
Step 4
Final Review & Signing
Advantages of Working With A Small Business Lawyer in Toronto
Insight Law Professional Corporation helps businesses in Toronto choose the right legal structure, manage trademarks and registration, and draft and negotiate contracts to protect their interests. Our corporate lawyers handle employment law matters, manage tax and legal compliance, and provide strategic legal advisory for sustained growth and security of businesses.
The benefits of working with corporate lawyer in Toronto are given below.
Help Businesses Choose the Legal Structure That Suits Your Needs
Draft and Negotiate Contracts
Handle Employment Law Matters
Maintain Regulatory Compliance
Provide Strategic Legal Advisory
Handle Business Disputes and Litigation
What Should I Bring to My First Meeting With a Toronto Business Lawyer?
The things you should bring to your first meeting with a Toronto business lawyer are listed below.
- Government-Issued Photo ID: You need to bring your government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or Ontario Photo Card, so your identity can be verified and client identification requirements under Canadian legal standards are met.
- Formation Documents: You should bring your business formation documents including sole proprietorship or partnership registrations, and a Master Business License (if applicable). You also have to bring incorporation records such as articles of incorporation, an incorporation certificate, and any shareholder or partnership agreements to help your business lawyer confirm the legal structure and ownership details.
- Existing Contracts: You need to bring all existing business contracts and agreements so your corporate lawyer can review them during due diligence and identify any potential liabilities or obligations that may affect your business.
Toronto Corporate and Business Laws You Need to Know
Corporate and business laws that you need to know in Toronto are given below.
Business Formation and Structure
Business formation and structure in Canada is governed by federal and provincial laws including the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA), Ontario Business Corporations Act (OBCA), and Partnership Act, which set rules for incorporating, registering, and organizing businesses while defining the rights and responsibilities of owners and partners.
Corporate Compliance and Governance
Corporate compliance and governance are the legal obligations under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) and the Ontario Business Corporations Act (OBCA) that require corporations to maintain proper records, hold meetings, file reports, and follow internal governance policies to operate lawfully and protect shareholder interests.
Shareholder & Partnership Rules
Shareholder and partnership rules are legal provisions under the Ontario Business Corporations Act and Partnership Act that govern ownership rights, decision-making, profit distribution, and dispute resolution among shareholders and partners.
Contracts & Transactions
Contracts and transactions are governed by contract law, which regulates the formation, execution, and enforcement of agreements between businesses to ensure that rights, obligations, and remedies are clearly defined.
Employment Law
Employment law governs the legal rights and obligations between employers and employees in Canada, addressing matters such as hiring, workplace standards, termination, and dispute resolution.
Commercial Leasing Laws
Commercial leasing laws regulate the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants in commercial properties under the Ontario Commercial Tenancies Act and contract law.
Regulatory Compliance
Regulatory compliance refers to following all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws, including the CBCA, OBCA, Employment Standards Act, Competition Act, and industry-specific regulations, to operate a business legally in Toronto and across Canada.
Corporate Governance
Corporate governance involves the rules, practices, and processes that guide how a corporation is directed and controlled to maintain accountability, transparency, and compliance with the CBCA, OBCA, and applicable regulations in Canada.
Strategic Advice
Strategic Advice involves providing businesses with informed legal guidance on decisions, risk management, and long-term planning to align operations with applicable corporate laws and regulatory requirements.
Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA)
Regulatory Relationships
- The CBCA is administered by Corporations Canada
- Corporations Canada operates under Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED Canada)
- The CBCA governs the formation, organization, and operation of federally incorporated corporations
- Corporations incorporated under the CBCA have the right to carry on business across all Canadian provinces and territories, subject to applicable provincial registration requirements
Key Provisions
- Incorporation procedures and requirements
- Corporate governance standards and organizational rules
- Directors’ duties and statutory responsibilities
- Shareholder rights and protections
- Amalgamation and arrangement processes
- Dissolution procedures
Competition Act
Regulatory Relationships
- The Competition Bureau enforces the Competition Act
- The Competition Bureau is headquartered in Gatineau, Quebec
- The Competition Tribunal adjudicates Competition Act matters
- The Competition Tribunal is a specialized administrative body based in Ottawa
Criminal Offences
- Price-fixing agreements
- Bid-rigging schemes
- Deceptive marketing practices
Reviewable Matters
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Abuse of dominance
Penalties
- Substantial fines for corporations
- Imprisonment for individuals
- Administrative monetary penalties reaching millions of dollars
Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA)
Regulatory Relationships
- The Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy Canada oversees the BIA
- The Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy Canada operates under Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED Canada)
- The BIA applies to both personal and corporate bankruptcies and insolvency proceedings
Key Provisions
- Appointment and regulation of licensed insolvency trustees
- Establishment of priority rules of creditor claims
- Consumer and commercial proposal mechanisms
- Recovery actions for fraudulent preferences and transfers at undervalue
Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA)
Regulatory Relationships
- The CCAA applies to insolvent corporations with debts exceeding $5 million
- The CCAA proceedings are supervised by provincial superior courts
- The Ontario Superior Court of Justice – Commercial List supervises CCAA proceedings in Toronto
- The Ontario Superior Court of Justice – Commercial List has specialized expertise in complex insolvency matters
Key Provisions
- Court-supervised corporate restructuring
- Broad stays of proceedings
- Debtor-in-possession financing
- Court-supervised asset sales
Income Tax Act
Regulatory Relationships
- The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) administers the Income Tax Act
- The CRA was established in 1999
- The Income Tax Act imposes federal income taxes on corporations, individuals, and trusts resident in Canada
Corporate Tax Obligations
- Filing annual T2 corporate income tax returns
- Remitting source deductions for employees (CPP, EI and Income Tax)
- Paying instalments based on estimated annual tax liability
- Reporting capital gains arising from asset dispositions
- Transfer pricing compliance for international transactions
- Claiming avilable Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credits, where applicable
Excise Tax Act (GST/HST Provisions)
Regulatory Relationships
- The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) administers and collects the GST/HST
- The CRA collects the provincial portion of HST on behalf of the Government of Ontario
- The HST rate in Ontario is 13% (5% federal GST + 8% provincial portion)
Registration Requirements
- Businesses with annual taxable supplies exceeding $30,000 must register with the CRA
- Registrants must collect, report, and remit HST on qualifying sales
- Input tax credits may allow recovery of HST paid on eligible business purchases
Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
Regulatory Relationships
- The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada enforces PIPEDA
- The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada was established in 1983
- PIPEDA regulates private-sector organizations’ handling of personal information during commercial activities
Ten Fair Information Principles (from CSA Model Code)
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) developed the Model Code for the Protection of Personal Information in 1996. PIPEDA incorporates ten fair information principles:
- Accountability
- Identifying Purposes
- Consent
- Limiting Collection
- Limiting Use, Disclosure, and Retention
- Accuracy
- Safeguards
- Openness
- Individual Access
- Challenging Compliance
Data Breach Requirements
- Organizations must report breaches creating real risk of significant harm
- Reports must be submitted to affected individuals
- Reports must be submitted to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Canada Labour Code
Regulatory Relationships
- The Canada Labour Code applies to federally regulated industries
- The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) assists in resolving labour disputes
Federally Regulated Industries
- Banks and financial institutions
- Airlines and aviation
- Telecommunications companies
- Interprovincial transportation firms
Code Structure
- Part I: Collective bargaining governance
- Part II: Occupational health and safety standards
- Part III: Employment standards (hours of work, termination)
Investment Canada Act
Regulatory Relationships
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) Canada administers the Investment Canada Act
- Canadian Heritage conducts additional scrutiny for culturally sensitive sectors
- The Act requires review and approval of significant foreign investments
Review Types
- Net benefit reviews for transactions meeting prescribed financial thresholds
- National security reviews for investments potentially threatening Canada’s security interests
Intellectual Property Legislation
Canada’s intellectual property framework is governed by several federal statutes that protect trademarks, copyrights, and patents. The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) is the federal agency responsible for administering registration systems for key intellectual property rights. CIPO operates under Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED Canada) and was established in 1990.
Trademarks Act
- CIPO administers trademark registration and protection
- Registration provides exclusive rights to use the mark across Canada
- Trademark registration term is 10 years (renewable)
- The Act prohibits trademark infringement, passing off, and depreciation of goodwill
Copyright Act
- The Act protects original literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works
- Copyright automatically subsists upon creation without formal registration
- Collective societies (SOCAN, Re:Sound) license public performance and communication rights
- The Act governs ownership, licensing, and enforcement of copyright rights
Patent Act
- CIPO examines patent applications for novelty, non-obviousness, and utility
- The Patent Act grants inventors exclusive rights for 20 years from the filing date
- The Federal Court of Canada adjudicates patent infringement actions
Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (CNCA)
Regulatory Relationships
- Corporations Canada administers the CNCA
- The CNCA governs federally incorporated not-for-profit corporations
- The Charities Directorate of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) oversees compliance for organizations that are registered charities.
Key Provisions
- A modern governance framework for not-for-profit corporations
- Members’ meeting and voting requirements
- Directors’ duties and statutory liabilities
- Financial reporting and disclosure requirements
Ontario Business Corporations Act (OBCA)
Regulatory Relationships
- Service Ontario administers the OBCA
- Service Ontario operates under the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery
- The OBCA governs provincially incorporated for-profit corporations in Ontario
Key Provisions
- Articles of incorporation requirements
- Corporate by-law provisions
- Share capital structure requirements
- Directors’ qualifications and statutory duties
- Annual filing and corporate reporting requirements
Recent Amendments (Bill 213 – Effective July 5, 2021)
- The Canadian director residency requirement has been removed
- Previously at least 25% of directors were required to be resident Canadians
- Shareholder approval processes have been streamlined for private corporations
- Written ordinary resolutions now require only a simple majority (for non-offering corporations)
Securities Act (Ontario)
Regulatory Relationships
- The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) administers the Securities Act
- The OSC is an independent Crown corporation established under the Securities Commission Act, 2021
- The Capital Markets Tribunal adjudicates enforcement proceedings
- The Capital Markets Tribunal is a separate adjudicative body from the OSC’s regulatory functions
Key Regulatory Areas
- Prospectus requirements for public offerings
- Continuous disclosure obligations for reporting issuers
- Registration requirements for dealers and advisers
- Enforcement and sanctions for fraud and market manipulation
Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA)
Regulatory Relationships
- The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development enforces the ESA
- The ESA applies to most employees and employers in Ontario
- Federally regulated industries are excluded from ESA coverage
Minimum Standards
- Minimum wage requirements
- Hours of work limits
- Overtime pay entitlements
- Vacation pay and vacation time
- Public holiday entitlements
- Termination notice and severance pay
- Reprisal protections for exercising statutory rights
Recent Amendments (Working for Workers Acts)
- Job posting transparency requirements for certain publicly advertised positions
- Enhanced job-protected leave and sick leave-related protections
- Written employment terms requirements in specific regulated contexts
Consumer Protection Act, 2002
Regulatory Relationships
- Consumer Protection Ontario administers the Consumer Protection Act
- Consumer Protection Ontario operates under the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery
- The Consumer Protection Act, 2023 has updated and modernized provisions
Key Protections
- Disclosure obligations for various agreement types
- Cooling-off periods for specified transactions
- Cancellation and rescission rights for consumers
- Remedies for misleading representations and unconscionable conduct
Agreement Types Covered
- Internet agreements
- Direct (in-person) agreements
- Time share agreements
Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
Regulatory Relationships
- The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development enforces the OHSA
- Ministry inspectors conduct workplace inspections and investigations
- The OHSA establishes workplace health and safety standards in Ontario
Duties Under the Act
- Employers must take every reasonable precaution to maintain safe workplaces
- Supervisors must ensure compliance with workplace safety requirements
- Workers tmust report workplace hazards and accidents
- Certain workplaces are required to establish joint health and safety committees or appoint health and safety representatives, depending on workforce size and workplace classification
Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (WSIA)
Regulatory Relationships
- The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) administers the WSIA
- The WSIBoperates as an independent Crown agency
- The WSIA governs Ontario’s workers’ compensation system
Employer Obligations
Under the WSIA, covered employers are required to:
- Register with the WSIB
- Pay insurance premiums based on industry classification and payroll
- Report workplace injuries and illnesses within prescribed timeframes
Worker Benefits (No-Fault System)
- Loss of earnings benefits
- Coverage of healthcare and medical costs
- Vocational rehabilitation and return-to-work services
Personal Property Security Act (PPSA)
Regulatory Relationships
- ServiceOntario administers the Personal Property Security Registration (PPSR) system
- The PPSA creates a comprehensive registration system for security interests in personal property
Key Provisions
- Registration of financing statements to perfect security interests
- Establishment of priority among competing secured creditors
- Security interests in inventory, accounts receivable, equipment, and investment property
Arthur Wishart Act (Franchise Disclosure), 2000
Background
- Named after Arthur Wishart, former Ontario Attorney General who championed franchisee rights
- The Act protects franchisees through mandatory disclosure requirements and statutory fairness standards
Disclosure Requirements
- Franchisors must provide a disclosure document at least 14 days before:
- Signing any franchise agreement or related agreement
- Accepting any consideration relating to the franchise
Disclosure Document Contents
- All material facts about the franchise and franchisor
- Financial statements of the franchisor (unless an exemption applies)
- Copies of the proposed franchise agreement and related agreements
- Litigation history of the franchisor and its principals
- Bankruptcy history of the franchisor and its principals
Franchisee Rights
- Rescission rights if disclosure requirements are not met
- A statutory duty of fair dealing and good faith owed by both parties
Partnerships Act
Key Provisions
- The Act establishes the default legal framework for general partnerships in Ontario
- Partners carry on business together with a view to profit
- Partnership agreements can modify many default rules
- The duty of good faith cannot be excluded by agreement
Matters Addressed
- Partner liability
- Profit sharing arrangements
- Dissolution procedures
- Rights of outgoing partners
Limited Partnerships Act
Structure
- The Act creates a hybrid business structure
- General partners manage the business and bear unlimited liability
- Limited partners’ liability is generally capped at their contributed capital, subject to statutory conditions
Registration Requirements
- Limited partnerships must register with ServiceOntario
- Declarations must disclose partner information and business particulars
- Limited partners risk losing liability protection if they participate in management
Business Names Act
Registration Requirements
- Individuals, partnerships, and corporations carrying on business under a name other than their legal name must register with ServiceOntario
- Registration provides public notice of the business name and the identity of the registrant
- Registration does not grant exclusive rights to the business name or provide trademark protection
- Business name registrations must be renewed every five years
Human Rights Code (Ontario)
Regulatory Relationships
- The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) adjudicates human rights applications and complaints
- The Ontario Human Rights Commission provides education, policy development, and engages in public interest litigation
- The Code prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, services, and contracts
Protected Grounds
- Race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship
- Creed (religion)
- Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression
- Age
- Marital status and family status
- Disability
Employer Obligations
- Employers have a duty to accommodate protected needs to the point of undue hardship
- Maintain workplaces free from discrimination and harassment
Implement policies and practices that support human rights compliance
Labour Relations Act, 1995
Regulatory Relationships
- The Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) administers the Labor Relations Act
- The Act governs unionized workplaces and collective bargaining in Ontario
Key Provisions
- Union certification and decertification procedures
- Collective agreement negotiation the duty to bargain in good faith
- Resolution of unfair labour practice complaints
- Regulation of strikes, lockouts, and picketing activities
- Mandatory grievance arbitration as the final step in labour dispute resolution
Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA)
Regulatory Relationships
- The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario oversees PHIPA compliance
- PHIPA governs personal health information held by health information custodians
- PHIPA has been declared substantially similar to PIPEDA for the regulation of personal health information within Ontario
Health Information Custodians
- Hospitals
- Physicians and healthcare practitioners
- Pharmacies
- Long-term care facilities
Sale of Goods Act
- Derived from English commercial law principals
- Governs contracts for the sale of goods in Ontario
- Implies statutory terms relating to title, description, quality, fitness for purpose, and delivery
- Establishes rules for risk of loss, acceptance of goods, and remedies for breach of contract
Electronic Commerce Act, 2000
- Facilitates electronic transactions in Ontario
- Recognizes electronic contracts and records
- Establishes rules for electronic signatures
- Governs timing of electronic communications and automated transactions
Commercial Tenancies Act
- Governs the relationship between commercial landlords and tenants
- Landlord distress remedies
- Covers forfeiture of leases and relief from forfeiture
- Addresses lease assignments, subleases, and fixtures
Bulk Sales Act
- Protects creditors when businesses sell inventory or stock in bulk
- Requires buyers to obtain a sworn statement of creditors from the seller before completing a bulk sale
- Provides that non-compliance may render the bulk sale voidable as against the seller’s creditors
- The Bulk Sales Act was repealed on March 22, 2017
Corporations Tax Act (Ontario)
- Ontario’s corporate income tax is largely harmonized with the federal system
- The CRA administers Ontario corporate tax under a tax collection agreement
- The regime provides Ontario small business deduction
- Targeted capital investment and research incentives remain available under provincial tax legislation
Employer Health Tax Act
- The Ontario Ministry of Finance administers this Act
- Imposes a payroll tax on employers with Ontario remuneration exceeding prescribed thresholds
- EHT proceeds are used to fund Ontario’s provincial healthcare system
- Employers are required to self-assess and remit EHT annually or by instalments, depending on payroll levels
Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 (ONCA)
- Establishes a modernized governance framework for not-for-profit corporations
- Provides flexible membership and class structures
- Enhances statutory protections and rights for members
- Directors’ duties aligned with corporate law standards
- Scales financial review and audit requirements based on organizational size and funding sources
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Speak with a Business Lawyer in Toronto Today!
The firm is conveniently located in midtown Toronto minutes walk from Eglinton-Yonge Station. We work with businesses across the GTA and Ontario. If you’re planning to start a company, restructure your business, or need legal support for an agreement or transaction, we’re here to help.
Book your free call today or email us directly. Let’s talk about your business and how we can support it.
Areas We Serve in Toronto
We provide corporate legal services across the following business areas in the Greater Toronto Area:
- Brampton
- Burlington
- Etobicoke
- North York
- Markham
- Mississauga
- Oakville
- Richmond Hill
- Scarborough
- Toronto
- Vaughan
