Preparing and filing the notification when a non-Canadian acquires or establishes a Canadian business.
Timing depends on the deal, the other parties and any government approvals; the lawyer confirms the steps in writing before work starts. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral
What is included
Identifies the laws, regulators and licences that apply to your plans
Prepares applications, notifications and supporting materials
Reviews policies, labels, terms or bids for compliance
Responds to questions or concerns from the regulator
Explains your ongoing reporting and compliance duties
What is not included
Government filing, search and registration fees and other disbursements
Tax, accounting or valuation advice, unless the lawyer agrees to provide it
Disputes or litigation that arise later
Work by NEO Legal Services: NEO is a paralegal firm and only makes the referral
Who this service is for
Businesses that need a licence, approval or notification
Importers, exporters and retailers with compliance questions
Companies preparing government bids or regulatory reports
Information to have ready
1A description of the business activity, products or transaction
2Any correspondence from the regulator
3Existing licences, permits or policies
4Relevant contracts and supply-chain information
How a referral works
1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.
A typical Ontario fee for this service is $3,000–$10,000, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.
Should I involve my accountant?+
Often, yes. Many corporate steps, such as share structures, reorganizations and business sales, have tax effects, and the lawyer may work with your accountant on them.
Can one lawyer act for both sides of a deal?+
Usually not when the parties' interests differ. Each party to a business sale, shareholders' agreement or major contract usually has a separate lawyer.
What is a minute book and why does it matter?+
It is the corporation's record of its articles, by-laws, resolutions and registers. Buyers, lenders and the Canada Revenue Agency may ask to see it, so keeping it up to date avoids delays later.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
No particular commercial result can be guaranteed
Government approvals and third-party consents are outside the lawyer's control
The work is limited to the scope the lawyer confirms in writing