How to register for provincial or other federal programs

Provincial and federal programs increase business competitiveness and simplify the process of starting and expanding a business. You must follow a different registration process for each program.

On this page

• Provincial programs
• Federal programs

Provincial programs

You can use our Business Registration Online (BRO) service to connect to some provincial program accounts for these provinces:

• British Columbia
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario

See below to find out which programs you can register for and other ways to register.

For information on doing business in other provinces, their hours of service, and their provincial programs, go to:

• Service New Brunswick
• Revenu Québec
• Entrepreneurship Manitoba
• Business registrations - Saskatchewan

British Columbia

You can use our Business Registration Online (BRO) service to connect to the OneStop Business Registry to apply for these accounts:

• Incorporation of British Columbia (BC) Companies
• Liquor Control and Licensing Branch

Other ways to register

For more information on doing business in British Columbia, registering for British Columbia program accounts and other information, go to OneStop Business Registry or call 1-877-822-6727.

Nova Scotia

You can use our Business Registration Online (BRO) service to connect to Service Nova Scotia to apply for:

• a business name with the Nova Scotia Joint Stock Companies
• a Nova Scotia Workers' Compensation Board account
• various Nova Scotia licences and permits

Other ways to register

For more information on doing business in Nova Scotia, registering for Nova Scotia program accounts, or hours of service, go to Access Nova Scotia – One Business – One Number or call 1-800-670-4357.

Ontario

You need to register a business name with the province of Ontario if you are not operating under your exact legal name. Ontario registration fees apply. Use the Business Registration Online (BRO) service to connect to ServiceOntario's Integrated Business Services Application to:

• register or renew a business name with ServiceOntario
• apply for these accounts:
  • Ontario Employer Health Tax
  • Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board

Other ways to register

For information on registering your business in Ontario, Ontario business services, fees, and hours of service, visit ServiceOntario's ServiceOntario – Business services or call 1-888-745-8888.

Federal government departments and agencies

Industry Canada

Businesses can incorporate federally. Once Industry Canada approves the federal incorporation, businesses receive a business number (BN) for their corporate income tax program account. They will not need to register separately with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). However, after receiving the confirmation of their BN, clients with federally incorporated businesses can apply through the CRA for other program accounts they need.

For more information, go to Industry Canada.

Public Works and Government Services Canada

Buyandsell.gc.ca is a website managed by Public Works and Government Services Canada and contains all Government of Canada tenders. This facility makes it easier to supply goods and services to federal departments and agencies.

Businesses can Register as a Supplier of goods and services with Buyandsell.gc.ca. They will receive a 15-digit Procurement Business Number (PBN), based on their BN, which Buyandsell.gc.ca gets from the CRA and emails to the vendor. However, the business must first get a BN from the CRA.

For more information, visit buyandsell.gc.ca.

Date modified:

2015-11-26