Buying a Franchise in Ontario: Your Disclosure Rights

Ontario's Arthur Wishart Act (Franchise Disclosure), 2000 protects people buying a franchise.

The disclosure document

It must include, among other things:

• financial statements of the franchisor;
• copies of the agreements you will sign;
• information about other franchisees and any litigation;
• material facts that could affect your decision.

The 14-day rule

You must receive it at least 14 days before signing the franchise agreement or paying any consideration.

Rescission

• 60 days after receiving the disclosure document, if it was late or materially deficient.
• 2 years after signing, if no disclosure document was given.

The franchisor must then compensate you as the Act requires, such as returning money paid and buying back inventory and equipment.

Fair dealing

The Act imposes a duty of fair dealing on both sides, and protects franchisees' right to associate.

Before you sign

• Have a franchise lawyer and an accountant review everything.
• Talk to current and former franchisees.

Sources

• Arthur Wishart Act (Franchise Disclosure), 2000

Read next: Getting Paid in Construction: Prompt Payment and Holdbacks in Ontario

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 16 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

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This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.