Practical legal support for Toronto entrepreneurs and small businesses, from incorporation to sale.
Business Law
Businesses operating in Toronto can incorporate either provincially under Ontario's Business Corporations Act (OBCA) or federally under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA), and the right choice depends on where and how the business plans to operate. Civitas Law helps entrepreneurs and small business owners choose the right structure, draft the agreements that govern their business relationships, and handle the contracts that keep day-to-day operations running smoothly.
We work with founders at the startup stage as well as established small businesses that need ongoing corporate and commercial support.
Direct access to your lawyer at every stage, with clear, honest advice about your options.
We incorporate businesses provincially under the OBCA or federally under the CBCA and prepare the required minute book documents.
We draft shareholder agreements addressing ownership, decision-making, and exit terms between business partners.
We draft and review service agreements, vendor contracts, NDAs, and other commercial documents.
We assist buyers and sellers with asset and share purchase transactions for small and mid-sized businesses.
We review commercial lease terms for small business tenants before they sign.
We help ensure annual resolutions, share records, and corporate filings stay compliant and up to date.
We draft agreements addressing roles, equity, and what happens if a business relationship ends.
A business incorporated in Toronto can choose between the Ontario Business Corporations Act and the Canada Business Corporations Act; OBCA incorporation is often simpler and cheaper to clear a name for, while CBCA incorporation offers stronger name protection nationally, which matters for a business planning to operate outside Ontario. Under either statute, directors and officers owe fiduciary duties to the corporation and must maintain a proper minute book, including articles, by-laws, share registers, and meeting resolutions, which matters for financing, sale, or a CRA audit down the line.
Commercial disputes that can't be resolved through negotiation are generally heard in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, including through its Commercial List for more complex matters in Toronto. Ontario's Business Corporations Act and general contract law principles govern most day-to-day commercial relationships, though businesses in regulated industries or with cross-border operations may also need to consider federal regulatory requirements.
Plain-language answers to the questions we hear most. Every matter is different, so treat these as a starting point.
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