compliance

Canadian Challenges - The Top 5 "Bad and Ugly" of Doing Business in Canada

Canadian Challenges - The Top 5 "Bad and Ugly" of Doing Business in Canada

When speaking to Canadians, working with government programs, researching immigration pathways and even seeking consulting advice - it is typically the opportunities and potential of Canada that are espoused rather than the challenges. For businesses in Canada, there are clear advantages but we seem to be hesitant to discuss barriers and challenges. It is important to highlight so businesses and entrepreneurs coming to do business in Canada are prepared including adjustments to their market entry strategies, growth projections and rate of returns.

The Canadian “Holiday Season” - what your company should do in this secular country

The Canadian “Holiday Season” - what your company should do in this secular country

With the holiday season in December and early January, you may be wondering what is expected or traditional in Canada for companies - both for employees and customers. Compounding this, depending on your industry this may be an extra busy time of year or it could be extra slow. Let's also discuss both the compliance issues to be aware of and also the cultural when you're doing business in Canada over the holidays.

When should you have Employees and when should you have Contractors?

When should you have Employees and when should you have Contractors?

As a growing business it may seem like an easy answer – just hire everyone as an independent contractor. No payroll account with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to remit income taxes, no vacation entitlement, Employment Insurance (EI) premiums or Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions and even the Worker’s Compensation insurance burden goes to the contractor. The contractor invoices and the company simply pays during the next cheque run. When the company reorganizes or needs different skills, just not renew or immediately terminate the contract with the contractor. Easy right? Wrong.

HR the most important business function - and here’s why

HR the most important business function - and here’s why

In Canada and globally, human resources as a business function has gone through much change over the past couple of decades. Once called the personnel department with a focus mostly on paying employees it now rarely focuses on the actual mechanics of paying. Instead it is about ensuring the people working with and for the organization are the best possible and they are productive collectively for the overall company. Therefore, instead of thinking of HR as just the culture and compliance team, let's think of HR as how you'll maximize the value of the various people your company interacts with - internally and externally.
 

Hiring Employee Number 1 - here is what to do

Hiring Employee Number 1 - here is what to do

Now that you’ve hired that first new employee in Canada, there are several steps in the actual hiring process you need to complete to be compliant with Canada Revenue Agency, Service Canada, provincial Employment Standards and provincial Workplace Safety and Insurance board. Plus you will want to set them up for success with a welcoming and productive onboarding program. This article digs into how to prepare for the all important employee number one, from payroll accounts to culture setting.

7 way to source talent for your team

7 way to source talent for your team

Ensuring you have the right talent for your team as you start, grow and change is vital to your business. It is not just having the right people but also the right roles and type of working relationships that suits your organizational structure. One way to think of it, is a company can Buy, Build or Borrow talent.  Read on to delve into the possibilities.