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Opportunities: Corporate and commercial law
Actions tracking
Integrate Ontario’s Master Business Licence wizard with federal corporate name databases
Status: Action tracking
What we heard
Ontario’s business registration system does not allow businesses that operate across Canada to use their federal corporation identifier instead of an Ontario business number.
Our plan
Ontario has partnered with the federal government in the Joint Online Registration System. When you federally incorporate your business using the online system, your business will be automatically registered in Ontario if you complete the extra-provincial registration for Ontario at the same time.
If you operate in Ontario under a name other than the one federally incorporated, you will be required to register the name in Ontario using the online Integrated Business Services Application and will be issued an Ontario business identification number. Ontario’s business registration system does not allow businesses that operate across Canada to use their federal corporation identifier as there are separate rules and regulations for operating businesses federally and provincially.
ServiceOntario is building a new business information and registration system that will replace the now outdated system to allow people to access more services online. This new system will improve customer access to business services online and will help thousands of businesses across Ontario save time and money by allowing ServiceOntario to streamline existing service delivery processes, and offer more services online.
Streamline the business incorporation process
Status: Action tracking
What we heard
The federal business incorporation process is perceived to be faster and less expensive than the Ontario process.
Our plan
ServiceOntario is building a new business information and registration system that will replace the now outdated system to allow people to access more services online. This new system will improve customer access to business services online and will help thousands of businesses across Ontario save time and money by allowing ServiceOntario to streamline existing service delivery processes, and offer more services online.
Improve access to the Ontario Business Information system
Status: Action tracking
What we heard
Financial services businesses find it difficult to serve clients effectively due to limited access to the Ontario Business Information System (ONBIS) registry system on evenings and weekends, and the lack of information available to verify boards of directors of businesses. These issues create unnecessary costs and delays for fintechs and other financial services businesses.
Our plan
ServiceOntario is building a new business information and registration system that will replace the now outdated system to allow people to access more services online. This new system will improve customer access to business services online and will help thousands of businesses across Ontario save time and money by allowing ServiceOntario to streamline existing service delivery processes, and offer more services online.
No action recommended
Review the small claims court process to ensure affordable access for small businesses
Status: No action recommended
What we heard
The small claims court process makes it difficult for small businesses to comply. It can also be very costly if the business chooses to hire a lawyer.
Our plan
The Ministry of the Attorney General has expanded online services to make it easier and faster to file all types of small claims. The online service allows individuals and businesses across Ontario to prepare and submit forms online, pay court fees securely using debit or credit cards, and receive court-issued documents by email without having to go to a courthouse. This service is available 24/7.
All small claims up to $25,000 can be filed online securely using a “Filing Wizard” to help guide users through the process or “Quick File” for legal professionals and regular users of small claims court.
E-filing saves applicants hours travelling to and from local courts, standing in line, correcting document errors and making payments. Of all small claims filed in March 2017, approximately 51% were filed online.