Legal updates, regulatory guidance and practical perspectives for businesses operating in complex industries.
Ontario’s Provincial Rules and Requirements for Preparing and Selling Food Legislative Intent and Scope The Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001 (FSQA) was created to provide a legal structure for managing the safety and quality of food and agricultural products in Ontario. Its main goal is to ensure that any food sold, processed, or produced in…
The City of Toronto’s Food Premises Inspection Program Municipal Authority Over Food Establishments The City of Toronto, through its municipal by-laws, holds the primary authority to regulate food establishments operating within its boundaries. This authority is exercised to protect public health and safety. These municipal regulations work in conjunction with provincial laws, creating a layered…
Understanding the Regulatory Landscape: Food Versus Natural Health Product Foods Under the Food and Drugs Act and Food and Drug Regulations In Canada, conventional foods are primarily governed by the Food and Drugs Act and its associated Food and Drug Regulations. These regulations outline the standards for safety, labelling, and composition for products intended for consumption as part…
Find Out What Restaurants Need to Put Calories On Their Menus and Menuboard Signs The Healthy Menu Choices Act, 2015, is a piece of Ontario legislation that came into effect on January 1, 2017. Its primary purpose is to require certain food service providers to display calorie information for standard food and beverage items. This…
What are Novel Foods in Canada? Defining Novel Foods Under Canadian Regulations In Canada, the definition of a “novel food” is quite specific and is laid out in the Food and Drug Regulations. Essentially, a novel food is any food that doesn’t have a history of being safely used as food in Canada. This can include…
Learn About The Table of Nutritional Info Required on Most Canadian Pre-Packaged Food Products Overview of Applicable Food and Drug Regulations The requirements for the Nutrition Facts table (NFt) in Canada are primarily established by the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR). These regulations, specifically sections B.01.401 through B.01.406, dictate what nutritional information must be declared and how…
Get To Know The Legal Framework for CFIA Audits of Food and Animal Establishments The Mandate of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) operates under a broad mandate to safeguard Canada’s food supply and animal and plant resources. Its primary objective is to protect Canadians from unsafe food and to…
Starting a Compliant Food Product in The Canadian Food Landscape Canada presents a dynamic and diverse market for food brands. With a population that values quality, safety, and increasingly, health-conscious options, understanding the nuances of this landscape is the first step to a successful launch. The Canadian food industry is characterized by a strong regulatory…
The Canadian Beverage Market Launching a beverage brand in Canada involves more than just a good idea and a tasty product. The Canadian beverage market is shaped by unique consumer preferences, a competitive retail environment, and significant regulatory expectations. Brand owners are expected to comply with strict rules, so it’s not just the flavour or look of…
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Timelines depend on the licence type, how complete the application is and the regulator’s current processing times. We prepare the application and supporting documents so the review runs smoothly, and we give you a realistic timeline at the start.
It depends on the services you provide. Money services businesses register with FINTRAC, and payment service providers performing retail payment activities register with the Bank of Canada under the RPAA. Some businesses need both; we review your model and tell you which apply.
In many cases, yes. A transfer is approved by the provincial regulator and depends on the licence conditions, the premises and the buyer’s eligibility. We handle the filings and coordinate with the other side of the deal.
It depends on the product, its claims and how it is sold. Some products are regulated as drugs or natural health products by Health Canada. We review the product and the sales model and explain what is permitted.
Yes. We advise clients across Canada on federal and provincial regulatory matters, and we coordinate with local counsel where a provincial rule requires it.
We always strive to offer our clients transparent, flexible and reasonable pricing and payment options. Where the scope of the engagement permits, we try to offer our clients innovative, fixed-fee pricing options instead of traditional hourly rates, and payment through EFT, Wire, E-transfer, and Credit/Debit Card.
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We advise clients across Ontario and throughout Canada on regulatory, licensing and compliance matters in cannabis, psychedelics and other regulated industries.
Cannabis retail, consumption and related licensing
Zoning, land use and local approvals
Compliance and enforcement matters
Health Canada, Canada-wide regulatory matters
CRA, excise, FINTRAC and related requirements
Psychedelics, hemp, wellness and emerging sectors
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Canada's Law Firm For Regulated Substances
