Legal & RegulatoryCompliance
02/ 08
One part of your Canadian operating backbone.
We assess applicable federal, provincial, and sector-specific regulations based on your structure and operations, ensuring proper alignment from day one. We manage ongoing obligations like annual filings, corporate maintenance, and required business licenses to keep your company in good standing and audit-ready.
Cover that fits.
For how you operate.
Compliance packages
Compliance Essentials
For maintaining a compliant, audit-ready legal presence in Canada.
We handle recurring filings, licensing, and documentation to ensure your company remains in good standing, without administrative gaps or legal risk.
- Annual return filing and corporate record updates
- Business license registration (as required)
- Basic contract templates (e.g. NDA, employment offer)
- PIPEDA compliance checklist
- Custom compliance calendar with key deadlines
Custom pricing based on scope and regulatory needs.
Legal Operations Support
For companies hiring, scaling, or managing legal exposure.
We support contracts, governance, and compliance across your structure, built to reduce risk and support growth.
- Includes all Compliance Essentials
- Regulatory framework assessment
- Up to 5 contracts (drafted or reviewed)
- Employment agreements + onboarding docs
- Governance setup (roles, resolutions, registers)
- Internal policy and risk review
- Coordination with legal counsel
Custom pricing based on legal scope and structure.
Custom Legal Structuring
For complex, cross-border, or non-standard legal setups.
We structure holding companies, joint ventures, nonprofits, and tax-aligned entities, coordinated across jurisdictions.
- Holding, JV, nonprofit, or relocation structures
- Cross-border legal + tax alignment
- Shareholder agreements + custom governance
- Coordination with Canadian and foreign counsel
- Multi-entity compliance mapping
Custom pricing based on structure and complexity.
Why InterGest for Legal & Regulatory Support?
Operating in Canada means meeting layered legal requirements across jurisdictions. We ensure nothing is missed. With deep knowledge of Canadian law and international business needs, we keep your structure compliant, your risks managed, and your operations protected, so you can lead with confidence.
Related articles
01
PIPEDA & Beyond: Navigating Canada's Data Privacy Landscape
An essential guide for foreign businesses handling Canadian data. Understand the core principles of PIPEDA, the impact of provincial laws like Quebec's Law 25, consent requirements, and cross-border transfer implications. Ensure your data practices meet Canada's stringent standards.
02
Employment Law Across Canada: The Provincial Patchwork
Hiring in Canada? Beware the significant variations in provincial Employment Standards Acts (ESAs). Explore key differences in termination notice, overtime, vacation, and statutory leaves between major provinces like Ontario, BC, Alberta, and Quebec.
03
Protecting Your Brand: Trademark Strategy in Canada
Your brand is invaluable. Learn the fundamentals of trademark registration and protection through the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO). Understand the importance of clearance searches and developing a strategy to safeguard your brand identity in the Canadian market.
04
Corporate Governance Essentials for Canadian Subsidiaries
Operating a subsidiary in Canada carries specific governance obligations under the CBCA or provincial acts. Review key director duties, liability considerations, residency requirements, and the importance of maintaining proper corporate records for compliance and good standing.
05
Decoding Canadian Contract Law: Key Considerations for Foreign Businesses
Understand the fundamental principles of contract enforceability under Canadian common law (and Quebec's civil code). Learn about crucial clauses, dispute resolution options, and common pitfalls to avoid when entering into commercial agreements in Canada.
FAQ
01
What is the biggest compliance mistake foreign companies make when entering Canada?
Underestimating the impact of provincial variations, particularly in employment law (Employment Standards Acts) and sales taxes (GST/HST vs. PST/QST). Assuming a uniform federal system or applying home-country standards often leads to significant non-compliance issues, fines, and legal disputes. Thorough provincial due diligence is critical.
02
How does PIPEDA compare to GDPR for companies familiar with European standards?
While both PIPEDA and GDPR are comprehensive data protection laws based on similar principles (consent, purpose limitation, access rights), there are key differences. PIPEDA is generally considered less prescriptive in how to achieve compliance, relying on 'reasonableness'. Consent requirements can differ, and breach notification thresholds vary. Quebec's Law 25 aligns more closely with GDPR in some aspects. A direct mapping isn't sufficient; specific Canadian compliance is required.
03
Do we need separate legal counsel in addition to InterGest's compliance services?
InterGest provides expert strategic compliance advisory, implementation support, and process management. For rendering formal legal opinions, complex litigation, or highly specialized drafting requiring admission to a Canadian Law Society Bar, we collaborate seamlessly with qualified external legal counsel. We help identify when such counsel is necessary and manage the interaction efficiently, acting as your central compliance coordinator.
04
How important is formal Intellectual Property (IP) registration in Canada?
Critically important, especially for trademarks and patents. While some common law rights exist (e.g., unregistered trademarks), formal registration with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) provides significantly stronger nationwide protection, enforcement capabilities, and deterrence against infringement. It's a fundamental step in securing your valuable intangible assets in the Canadian market.
05
What are the key corporate governance requirements we must maintain annually?
Key requirements typically include: Filing an Annual Return with the incorporating jurisdiction (federal or provincial); holding an annual meeting of shareholders (or obtaining written resolutions); maintaining accurate corporate records (minute book, director/shareholder registers); ensuring compliance with director residency requirements (if applicable); and fulfilling annual tax filing obligations with the CRA.
06
How can we stay updated on changing Canadian regulations relevant to our business?
Staying current requires a proactive approach. InterGest assists clients through curated updates, compliance monitoring frameworks, and periodic reviews. Additionally, subscribing to relevant government agency notifications (e.g., CRA, ISED, Provincial Ministries), industry association bulletins, and reputable legal/compliance publications are effective strategies we help implement.
Where are you building from?
Or write to us at info@intergestcanada.com
TheartofbeinglocalinCanada.