Corporations
A corporation with share capital is the most common form of business entity in Canada and enjoys advantages that make it the most practical form of business organization in most instances. Corporations may also be incorporated without share capital, generally for not-forprofit purposes. A corporation is a separate legal entity, distinct from its shareholders and management, that can hold property, carry on business and incur contractual and legal obligations.
Canadian legislation governing corporations distinguishes between non-offering corporations (commonly referred to as private or closely held corporations) and public offering corporations. Private corporations generally are subject to restrictions on the transfer of their shares, a maximum permitted a number of shareholders, excluding certain classes of individuals such as employees, and prohibitions against the issue of securities to the public. Public corporations do not have these restrictions and have taken steps under applicable provincial securities laws and stock exchange rules to permit their securities to be offered to, and traded by, the public.
Partnerships
In Canada, a partnership is not a separate legal entity but a relationship between persons (which may be individuals, corporations, trusts or other partnerships) carrying on business in common with a view to profit.
A corporation is free to enter into partnerships in Canada. The resources each partner contributes to a partnership would commonly be money, but could also be skills, labor, intellectual property or other property. The relationship of the partners is established by contract and is also subject to applicable provincial laws. Some provinces require that partnerships be registered. A partnership may take one of three forms, a “general partnership”, a “limited partnership” or a “limited liability partnership”.
Subject to the terms of their agreement, all partners in a general partnership are entitled to participate in ownership and management, and each assumes unlimited liability for the partnership’s debts and liabilities. To the extent that each partner in a general partnership is itself a limited liability corporation, the liability risk for such partners would be reduced (but not eliminated).
In a limited partnership, there is a separation between the partners who manage the business (general partners) and those who contribute only to capital (limited partners). A limited partnership must have at least one general partner, who will be subject to unlimited liability for the debts of the partnership. Limited partners are liable only to the extent of their capital contribution to the partnership provided they do not participate in the management of the business.
The third type of partnership is a limited liability partnership (LLP). In Canada, a limited liability partnership is only available in certain provinces, is governed by specific provincial legislation and is often only available to groups of professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, and doctors. In British Columbia (unlike other provinces), any kind of business may be carried on through an LLP. A limited liability partnership is a general partnership in which the liability of its partners is limited.
Joint Ventures
Two or more parties may engage in a joint venture or syndicate where they collaborate in a business venture. There is no specific statutory definition or regulatory scheme for joint ventures, at either the provincial or federal level, although they are not uncommon in certain industries such as construction and natural resources. A joint venture generally denotes an association of two or more persons, usually governed by a contract, pursuant to which such persons agree to combine their money, property, knowledge, skills and other resources in furtherance of the desired venture, typically agreeing to share the profits and losses, with each having some degree of control over the venture.
To help avoid the presumption that a partnership has been formed, the joint venture agreement should declare that a partnership is not intended. The agreement should also set out the scope of the venture and the method of control and decision-making. It should stipulate the rights and obligations of the participants and provide mechanisms for the settlement of disputes. Unlike a corporation, a joint venture is not a distinct legal entity. It cannot sue or be sued. Such rights and liabilities are attached to the entities involved in the joint venture.
Fast & Easy Canada Company Registration for Non-Canadian Residents
Company Formations provides fast and easy Company Registration in Canada for non-Canadians residents and provides all the documents your new Canada corporation will need to stay up-to-date and in compliance with your province of registration corporation law.
Incorporation Fees:
$2200 (All-Inclusive)
Our Canada Incorporation Service includes:
Name Search Report
Preparation of Articles of Incorporation and Incorporation Documents
Incorporation Agreement
By-Laws, Company Minute Book, Share Certificates
Canada Registered Agent Service for 1 year
Government Fees
Our Service Fees
Original Certificates
Copy of Documents in PDF
Taxes
For more information about our Canada company registration service, please contact us at [email protected]
