Canada: Corporate/Commercial Law

Canada’s tax system is a system of self-reporting. This feature is explicitly stated in subsection 150(1) of the Income Tax Act. This subsection requires taxpayers to file a tax return “without notice or demand for the return, for each taxation year of a taxpayer.”

In September 2026, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance (the Committee) released its recommendations for the 2026 Federal Budget. While these recommendations do not form part of the Budget itself, they provide insight into current political policy priorities and proposals that may be reflected in future legislative and fiscal initiatives. In this article, we highlight several recommendations of particular relevance to charities and not-for-profit organizations, with a specific focus on the proposed social sector fund.

Canada's newly announced Productivity Mega Deduction represents one of the most significant business tax incentives in decades, permitting immediate expensing for capital investments.

Canada's Competition Act has undergone significant reforms that expand enforcement powers, increase penalties, and broaden scrutiny of commercial conduct. These changes mean competition law considerations now extend well beyond mergers and acquisitions to encompass pricing practices, competitor collaborations, distribution arrangements, and marketing claims. Understanding these expanded requirements is essential for businesses operating in or entering Canadian markets.

Depuis le 1er janvier 2024, de nouvelles règles fiscales encadrent les transferts intergénérationnels d'entreprises familiales au Canada. Ces dispositions permettent aux parents vendeurs de se prévaloir de la déduction pour gains en capital lors d'un véritable transfert à leurs enfants, tout en prévenant le dépouillement de surplus. Deux structures sont possibles : le transfert immédiat avec cession du contrôle dans les 36 mois, et le transfert progress

Manon Goudreault, associée chez BCF et ancienne fondatrice de l'agence dada, explore comment la communication devrait être intégrée dès le début du processus de cession d'entreprise plutôt qu'à la fin. Elle propose un parcours structuré qui commence par l'évaluation de la réputation, se poursuit avec la construction d'un récit partagé entre cédant et repreneur, et accompagne la transition jusqu'à l'après-transaction.

Foreign companies operating in Canada face a rapidly evolving ESG compliance landscape that extends far beyond voluntary commitments. From mandatory Modern Slavery Act reporting with personal liability for directors to climate risk disclosure requirements for financial institutions, Canadian ESG obligations now carry significant penalties and enforcement mechanisms. Understanding which reporting frameworks apply to your organization and when implementation deadlines have already passed is critical to avoidi

Global Affairs Canada has issued comprehensive guidance on Canada's "deemed ownership" rules under sanctions law, clarifying when companies not directly designated may still be subject to sanctions restrictions due to ownership or control by designated persons. The guidance addresses three distinct control tests—including ownership thresholds, board control, and de facto influence—and provides practical examples of how these provisions apply to complex corporate structures and proxy arrangements

Foreign companies entering Canada often assume their existing privacy programs designed for GDPR or CCPA compliance can simply extend to Canadian operations, but Canada's legal requirements demand targeted modifications. This comprehensive guide examines Canada's private sector privacy legislation, breach reporting obligations, AI governance expectations, and anti-spam regulations that businesses must navigate before launching in the Canadian market.

Magic Potion Games, founded by the creators of Club Penguin, has launched Imagine Island, a new online multiplayer game designed for children aged 6-13. With over one million players during beta testing and a successful Series A funding round, the platform prioritizes safety and transparency while preparing for major expansion through entertainment partnerships and paid memberships.

Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP provides legal expertise across multiple practice areas including fund formation, competition law, antitrust, foreign investment, and venture capital. The firm's Toronto-based partners offer specialized counsel to clients navigating complex regulatory and transactional matters. Contact information and professional backgrounds are available for key team members specializing in these areas.

Le gouvernement canadien et les provinces intensifient leurs efforts pour soutenir l'innovation nationale face aux perturbations géopolitiques et à la concurrence mondiale. De nouveaux programmes de financement, sources de capitaux et initiatives axées sur le talent visent à commercialiser la recherche, préserver la propriété intellectuelle canadienne et attirer des investissements dans des secteurs stratégiques comme l'IA, les sciences de la vie et la défense.