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Business Laws

Running a business involves legal obligations that many owners don’t discover until something goes wrong. From incorporation and shareholder disputes to contracts, regulatory compliance, and debt recovery, business law touches almost every stage of growth. In this section, we provide general legal information for entrepreneurs and small business owners across Canada on common issues such as corporate structure, commercial agreements, unpaid invoices, and business disputes. Whether you’re just starting out or managing an existing company, understanding your legal rights early can help prevent costly mistakes. Our resources are designed to give you practical guidance so you can identify risks, understand your options, and decide when professional legal support may be necessary.

Business Sales or Purchases

Buying or selling a business is one of the largest financial decisions many people make. These transactions often involve asset purchases, share sales, leases, employees, intellectual property, and hidden liabilities. This section covers general legal information about business acquisitions and dispositions, including due diligence, purchase agreements, and common pitfalls buyers and sellers encounter. Whether you’re acquiring your first business or exiting an existing one, understanding the legal process can help protect your investment and avoid unpleasant surprises after closing.

Cease and Desist Letters

A cease and desist letter is often the first formal step in resolving a legal dispute. It can be used to address issues such as harassment, intellectual property infringement, breach of contract, or unfair competition. In this section, we explain what cease and desist letters are, when they may be appropriate, and how recipients should respond. Sending or receiving one of these letters does not automatically mean a lawsuit is coming, but it does signal a legal concern that should not be ignored.

Contracts and Breach of Contract Claims

Contracts govern everything from employment relationships to business partnerships and service agreements. When one party fails to uphold their obligations, a breach of contract may occur. Here, we provide general legal information about contract formation, common breaches, remedies, and enforcement options. Whether your agreement is written or verbal, understanding how contracts work can help you determine your rights and next steps when disputes arise.

Demand Letters

A demand letter is often the first formal step in resolving a legal dispute. It is a written notice sent to another party requesting payment, compliance with a contract, or correction of wrongful conduct before court proceedings are started. Demand letters are commonly used in disputes involving unpaid invoices, breach of contract, property damage, employment matters, landlord and tenant issues, and small claims disputes. While a demand letter does not automatically mean a lawsuit will follow, it signals that the sender is asserting legal rights and may pursue further action if the issue is not resolved.

Disputes, Small Claims and Litigation

Legal disputes can arise from unpaid debts, broken agreements, property damage, or personal conflicts. This section explains the basics of resolving disputes, including negotiation, demand letters, small claims actions, and litigation. We cover general information about timelines, evidence, and what to expect in court processes across Canada. If you’re considering legal action or responding to a claim, learning the fundamentals can help you make informed decisions early.

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Employment Laws

Employment law affects both workers and employers. Issues such as termination, severance, workplace rights, constructive dismissal, and unpaid wages are among the most common legal concerns Canadians face. In this section, we provide general legal information on employment standards, wrongful dismissal, and common workplace disputes. Understanding your rights and obligations can help you navigate employment issues with greater clarity and confidence.

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Franchising

Franchising involves a unique legal relationship between franchisors and franchisees, governed by specific disclosure and fair dealing obligations in many provinces. This section covers general information about franchise agreements, franchise disclosure documents, rescission rights, and common franchise disputes. Whether you’re considering buying into a franchise system or operating one, understanding the legal framework is essential before making significant commitments.

Landlord/Tenant Laws and Rules

Landlord and tenant disputes are among the most common legal issues Canadians face. Whether you are dealing with unpaid rent, security deposits, inspections, evictions, or lease disagreements, your rights depend heavily on provincial law and your specific facts. In this section, we provide general legal information about rental agreements, damage deposits, notice requirements, and common tenancy disputes to help you understand your options before taking next steps.

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Lease Agreements

Lease agreements govern residential and commercial rental relationships. Small wording differences can have major legal consequences. Here, we explain general concepts related to leases, including key clauses, renewal terms, termination rights, and common disputes. Whether you’re signing a new lease or dealing with an existing one, understanding the basics can help protect your interests.

Trademarking in Canada

A trademark protects your brand identity, including names, logos, and slogans. This section provides general legal information about trademarks in Canada, including registration basics, infringement concerns, and brand protection strategies. If you’re building a business or launching a product, learning how trademarks work can help safeguard your intellectual property.

Disclaimers

Please note that the information provided on Canada Legal Guidance and offered by Canada Legal Guidance including on this website and within our Learning Center is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. As such, all of the following disclaimers is applicable to you at all times:

All content on this website, including articles, guides, videos, examples, and responses to inquiries, is intended to provide general information, education and guidance and therefore is not substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction.
There are a significant number of reasons why the legal information, education and/or guidance on this site might not be directly applicable to you and/or your situation. For example, laws vary by province and territory, change frequently, and depend heavily on the specific facts and circumstances of each individual situation.
We provide general legal guidance to residents of Canada excluding Quebec, and information on this site may not apply to your jurisdiction or personal circumstances.
Accessing this website, reading Learning Center materials, submitting inquiries, or participating in free legal guidance sessions does not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and us or any of our affiliated lawyers unless and until a formal written engagement agreement is executed.
Any guidance provided during free legal guidance sessions is preliminary and general in nature and should not be relied upon as formal legal advice or representation. You should not act or refrain from acting based on any information on this website without first seeking independent legal advice tailored to your specific situation.
Legal outcomes depend on unique facts, documentation, timelines, and applicable laws. Examples or scenarios discussed on this website are illustrative only and may not reflect your individual circumstances. What applies to one person may not apply to another. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or currentness of any information contained on this website. We also disclaim all liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising directly or indirectly from reliance on information provided on this site or through free legal guidance sessions.

If you require legal advice, you are strongly encouraged to consult with a licensed lawyer in your province or territory.

Communities Served

CLG Justice Foundation provides free legal guidance to individuals and small businesses throughout Canada, excluding Quebec. Our remote appointments allow us to support clients in major cities and surrounding communities, including Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Red Deer, Airdrie, Fort McMurray, Kelowna, Victoria, Nanaimo, Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, Richmond, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and across Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

No matter where you’re located, our goal is to ensure access to free legal guidance, practical legal information, and one-on-one support from qualified lawyers.