A legal and regulatory guide for foreign companies

Canada offers significant opportunities for businesses looking to expand, invest, and grow. Its stable economy, highly skilled workforce, strong legal institutions, and access to global markets make it an attractive destination for companies from around the world.

At the same time, successfully entering the Canadian market requires a clear understanding of the legal, regulatory, and tax frameworks that govern business operations. While Canada is often viewed as a single marketplace, businesses must navigate a combination of federal, provincial, and territorial laws that can differ across jurisdictions.

The chapters that follow provide a practical overview of the key considerations for foreign companies doing business in Canada. Topics include business formation and corporate structures, foreign investment and competition laws, securities regulation, international trade, taxation, employment, privacy and cybersecurity, intellectual property protection, real estate investment, and industry-specific compliance obligations.

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Canada’s government and legal system

Quebec civil law and Quebec language compliance

Business organizations in Canada: Choosing the right structure for your Canadian operations

Foreign investment review: Why the Investment Canada Act belongs at the top of your transaction checklist 

Competition laws: What Canada’s reformed Competition Act means for your business 

Debt financing transactions: What foreign lenders and borrowers need to know 

Canadian securities laws: What foreign companies and investors need to know

Real estate development: Buying, developing, and owning property in Canada as a foreign investor 

Canadian insolvency law: What foreign companies need to know when a subsidiary is 

Transportation: Operating in Canada’s freight, logistics, and transportation sector

ESG and sustainability reporting in Canada: What foreign companies must disclose

Canadian customs and international trade: What foreign companies must navigate in a shifting trade environment

Canadian income tax: What foreign companies need to assess about Canadian taxes 

Sales taxes in Canada: What foreign companies owe before they open a Canadian office

Canadian income tax source deductions and payroll taxes: what every foreign employer needs to know  

Business immigration: Getting your people into Canada — and keeping them compliant 

Employment in Canada: What every foreign employer must know before hiring 

Privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity: What foreign companies must consider before entering the Canadian market

Intellectual property in Canada: Protecting and enforcing your IP assets

Patents in Canada: A practical guide for foreign businesses

Industrial designs in Canada: Protecting your product’s appearance

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The opportunities ahead are unique to your business, and the path forward should be too. Whether you’re evaluating a new venture, launching products or services, pursuing growth opportunities, or managing cross-border operations, we provide practical, business-focused advice aligned with your goals and built to support sustainable growth.

Connect with a Miller Thomson lawyer to discuss your business plans in Canada.

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