TILMA - Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is TILMA?

    TILMA is a comprehensive agreement on trade, investment and labour mobility between Alberta and British Columbia that applies to all sectors of the economy. It comes into effect April 1, 2009.

  2. How will TILMA affect my corporation?

    Removing duplicated registration and reporting requirements will make it easier and more cost-effective to expand your Alberta corporation into British Columbia and vice versa.

  3. Do I have to register my business in British Columbia?

    If your corporation is intending to conduct business in British Columbia, you must register in that province. However, TILMA will make the initial registration and filings to maintain your corporation in British Columbia easier to accomplish.  If your business isn't planning to operate in B.C. there is no need to register in B.C.

  4. Do I have to go to British Columbia if I want to register there?

    No, if your corporation is intending to conduct business in British Columbia you can obtain the British Columbia registration by contacting the Alberta Corporate Registry (if your corporation is already incorporated) or a member of the private registry agent network (if you are intending to incorporate a new corporation).
  5. Are there any costs for me to register my corporation in British Columbia?

    With the exception of the $30 name examination fee, there are no additional costs to register in British Columbia.
  6. What information do I have to provide to register in British Columbia?

    You will have to pay a name examination fee of $30 and provide information regarding a British Columbia attorney for service, a director (if your corporation is new) and a head office address.
     
  7. After registration in British Columbia, am I required to file any additional or subsequent information?

    Yes, you will be required to keep your head office and attorney for service information current; however, once TILMA is fully implemented, you will not be required to file an annual return in British Columbia. All filings affecting the Alberta and the British Columbia registrations may be made in your home jurisdiction.
     
  8. If my corporation is already extra-provincially registered in British Columbia, how will TILMA affect that registration? 

    Alberta corporations that are already registered in British Columbia will not have to take any further actions when TILMA is fully implemented. However, the requirement to file annual returns and other changes with the British Columbia corporate registry will cease when TILMA is fully implemented.

  9. What happens to my Alberta corporation when I register in British Columbia?

    Your Alberta corporation's status does not change.

  10. What happens to my British Columbia extra-provincial registration if my corporation is no longer active?

    After the implementation of TILMA, the extra-provincial registration of your corporation, when it is no longer active in the home jurisdiction will at some point be struck.

  11. I have a sole proprietorship (also known as a trade name) in Alberta.  Can I register it in British Columbia?

    No, TILMA does not apply to trade name or general partnership registrations.

  12. Where can I find more information on TILMA?

    Please visit TILMA's Businesses and Investors page (external site) for regular TILMA updates.