Corporation
A corporation is a legal entity that is separate from its shareholders and management.
- A corporation is the most common form of business structure used in Canada.
- Corporations have rights, obligations, powers and privileges similar to individuals.
- Shareholders own the corporation, but they are not personally liable for debts, obligations or acts of the corporation.
Generally, a corporation is made up of three groups:
- Directors appoint officers and supervise the management of the enterprise.
- Officers manage the day-to-day operations of the business.
- Shareholders elect the directors.
A company may incorporate under either federal or provincial law.
Federal incorporation
A business can incorporate federally under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA). This allows the business to operate in any province within Canada. Registration in the province where the corporation intends to conduct business is also required.
Under the CBCA, 25% of the directors in a corporation must be Canadian residents. If there are fewer than four directors, at least one must be Canadian.
Provincial incorporation
A business can also incorporate provincially. In Alberta, companies can incorporate under the Business Corporations Act (BCA). Provincially incorporated companies can only carry on business in the province where they incorporated unless they obtain an extra-provincial licence to operate in another province.
In Alberta, under the BCA, at least 25% of the directors must be resident Canadians.
Alberta government resources
Business Corporations Act
Business Corporations Regulation
Understand the legislation governing corporations in Alberta.
Corporate registry
Find information about incorporating a non-profit company, obligations and responsibilities, forms and legislation.
Extra-provincial corporations
Businesses incorporated outside of Alberta may need to register or incorporate provincially to carry on business operations in Alberta.
Forms-Corporate Registry
Download forms needed to register, maintain or dissolve a corporation.
Incorporating an Alberta business
Find information about forming, naming and incorporating a business in Alberta.
Information for businesses
Find federal, provincial and municipal resources about conducting business in Alberta.
Canadian government resources
Choosing a name
Follow the guidelines to secure a corporate name.
Fees
Understand the fees for creating and maintaining federal incorporation.
Forms
Download forms for business corporations.
Guide to federal incorporation
Find information to help small businesses incorporate federally. Available in three formats (HTML, PDF or MP3).
Get useful information on submitting an application to incorporate a business under the Canada Business Corporations Act.
Legislation
Access the Canada Business Corporations Act and related documents.
Policies, guidelines and procedures
Read policies issued by the Director General of Corporations Canada.
Industry Canada regional offices
In Alberta, Industry Canada offices are located in Edmonton and Calgary.
Date Updated:
RDP-1665
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