There is no fixed national “grace period” to repair an outdated minute book; the expectation in Canadian corporate and tax law is that records are kept accurate and up to date on an ongoing, annual, and event-driven basis. In practice, you usually have only as long as it takes before a regulator, CRA, lender, […]
The Timing on Outdated Minute Books Read More »
Outdated or incomplete corporate minute books in Canada can trigger statutory fines and even imprisonment, and they also increase the risk of CRA penalties, audits, and corporate dissolution. The exact penalties depend on the statute (federal vs provincial) and the specific record-keeping failure, but they can be significant for the corporation, directors, officers, and
What Legal Penalties Arise from Outdated Minute Books? Read More »
If you’re a business owner in Canada, you’ve likely heard about the importance of keeping a corporate minute book. But many entrepreneurs don’t fully understand just how critical this record-keeping requirement is—until they face an audit, try to secure financing, or attempt to sell their business. A corporate minute book isn’t just a “nice
Why Your Corporate Minute Book Matters More Than You Think Read More »
Once you’ve decided to pursue alternative dispute resolution, the next critical decision is selecting the most appropriate process. The two most common formal ADR methods – mediation and arbitration – offer distinctly different approaches to resolving business disputes. Mediation: Collaborative Problem-Solving Mediation involves a neutral third party who facilitates discussions between disputing parties without
Mediation vs. Arbitration – Choosing the Right Path Forward Read More »
Estate planning can be complex, especially if you own a corporation or hold shares in a private business. One of the most effective tools for business owners in Ontario is the use of primary and secondary wills. Here’s what you need to know about these documents and how they can benefit you if you own
Understanding Primary and Secondary Wills: What Business Owners Need to Know Read More »
In Ontario, a business, particularly a corporation, is legally required to maintain a minute book as part of its corporate records. Here’s why you need one and how often it needs to be updated: Why You Need a Minute Book Legal Requirement: Under the Ontario Business Corporations Act (OBCA) and the Canada Business Corporations Act
What is a Minute Book? Read More »
Navigating Change: Canadian Family Businesses Accelerate Succession Plans Amidst Economic Shifts A recent study by KPMG LLP in Canada reveals a significant trend among Canadian family business owners, with 79% fast-tracking succession plans due to evolving economic landscapes and internal family dynamics. The survey of 285 leaders from 700 small- and medium-sized family businesses indicates
Canadian Family Business Accelerate Succession Plans Read More »
Navigating Business Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Incorporation in Ontario Incorporation is a significant milestone for any business in Ontario. It not only provides legal protection and separation of personal and business assets but also opens up opportunities for growth and success. If you’re considering taking the plunge and incorporating your business in Ontario,
A Comprehensive Guide to Incorporation in Ontario Read More »
Two recent cases in the Federal Court of Canada highlight the perils for Directors of Corporations, even as a Past Director. As you may know, under the Income Tax Act (Canada), Directors have personal liability for unremitted withholdings from employees’ salaries (the portion of salaries deducted from paycheques for employee taxes, UIC and CPP). In
Updated Warnings to Directors of Corporations, Past and Present Read More »
