Ontario to Launch a new Ontario Business Registry

August 17, 2021
By Bob Peters

Cornwall Ontario – Ontario is launching a new Ontario Business Registry on October 19, making it easier, simpler, and more affordable for millions of businesses and not-for-profit corporations to interact with the government. The new online registry will replace out-dated technology, providing people across the province with direct access to government services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for the first time ever.

Businesses will now be able to complete over 90 transactions through the new online registry, including registering a new business and dissolving an existing one. Registrations or filings that were previously submitted by mail or fax, taking four to six weeks to complete, can now be done instantly through the online registry. When online transactions are completed, users will receive automatic email notices with electronic attachments instead of paper documents. The migration of annual return filings that were previously completed through the Canada Revenue Agency will be available through the Ontario Business Registry, allowing businesses to keep all their important filings in one place.

“Ontario’s businesses and not-for-profit corporations are overdue for a new business registry that meets the needs of our modern economy and rapidly expanding digital world,” said Ross Romano, Minister of Government and Consumer Services. “Our government’s new business registry will help ensure businesses can access the services they need quickly and efficiently in order to reduce their costs and allow them to focus their time and energy on rebuilding from the impacts of COVID-19.”

Along with the launch of the Ontario Business Registry, the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 will come into force on October 19, which will provide a modern legislative framework for Ontario’s not-for-profit corporations. The legislation will significantly reduce the bureaucratic burden on not-for-profit corporations, moving from paper-based filings to digital services and providing them with enhanced flexibility. For the first time ever, Ontario not-for-profit corporations will be able to access an online government system for registrations and filings, saving them time and reducing duplication of paperwork. Features like pre-defined text will help users move along error-free and reduce legal costs.

“The new system will provide a modern, streamlined digital platform that saves business owners’ time by limiting the need for in-person interactions and cumbersome paperwork,” said Minister Romano. “Ontario’s businesses and not-for profit corporations will have immediate access to over 90 services, allowing them to focus more of their time on serving our communities.”

Quick Facts

  • Engagement with intermediaries such as legal professionals, accountants, and search firms to gather information to support future alignment and their use of the Ontario Business Registry will begin in September 2021.
  • Services that are currently provided by Dye & Durham Corporation and ESC Corporate Services Ltd. will continue to be offered when the Ontario Business Registry launches.
  • Ontario businesses and not-for-profit corporations can consult Ontario.ca/BusinessRegistry for more information about the new system.
  • The Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 received Royal Assent on October 25, 2010 but cannot be brought into force until the Ontario Business Registry launches.

More Info

  • Ontario businesses and not-for-profit corporations can consult Ontario.ca/BusinessRegistry for more information about the new system.

Additional Resources

Entrepreneurs looking to start a small business can contact the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre, which helps small business owners and entrepreneurs succeed in Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry & Akwesasne by offering information, tools and support during the start-up and growth stages of business operation. This includes administration of the Summer Company and Starter Company PLUS programs. The Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre is operated by Cornwall Economic Development and funded in part by the Government of Ontario.

The Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre is located at 100 Water Street East (Cornwall Civic Complex) and can be contacted by phone at 613-930-2787 x 2276 or online at: