Legal updates, regulatory guidance and practical perspectives for businesses operating in complex industries.
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…
Understanding Product De-listing From Amazon.ca Identifying the Cause of Product Delisting When a product is delisted from Amazon.ca, it means Amazon has removed the listing from its marketplace. This action is typically taken due to a perceived violation of Amazon’s policies or Canadian regulations. The first and most critical step is to determine the exact reason…
What To Do When You Get An AGCO Notice of Violation For Your Ontario Cannabis or Liquor Business What is an AGCO Notice of Violation? A Notice of Violation from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is a formal document sent to a licensee or registrant—such as an alcohol seller—informing them that the…
What is an AGCO Order of Monetary Penalty (OMP)? Why AGCO Issues Monetary Penalties The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) uses Orders of Monetary Penalty (OMP) as a way to encourage compliance with provincial liquor, cannabis, and gaming laws. Think of it as a financial consequence for breaking the rules. Instead of immediately…
AGCO Cannabis Licence Suspensions and Revocations What’s the Difference Between Suspension and Revocation? When the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) takes action against a cannabis licence, it can either suspend it or revoke it. It’s important to know the difference because the impact on your business is significant. A suspension means your licence is temporarily…
AGCO Licence Suspensions and Revocations If you’re running a bar, restaurant, or other licensed establishment in Ontario, keeping your liquor sales licence or manufacturer’s licence in good standing is standard business. But what happens if the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) decides to step in? They have the power to temporarily suspend, or…
Canada’s Consolidated Regulations For Mind-Altering Drugs under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Canada’s new Controlled Substances Regulations (CSR) under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act are set to come into force on October 1, 2026. These regulations aim to consolidate and modernize the existing framework governing controlled substances, replacing several older sets of rules….
Municipal Sign Permits For Businesses in Ontario Putting up a sign for your business in Ontario isn’t as simple as just sticking it on the wall or the lawn. Most of the time, you’ll need to get a sign permit from an Ontario municipality before you can even think about installing it. This process is governed by…
Canada’s Framework For Keeping Consumer Products Safe Purpose and Scope of the CCPSA The Canada consumer product safety Act, often shortened to CCPSA, is a piece of federal legislation that aims to protect Canadians from dangers posed by consumer products. Think of it as the main rulebook for making sure the stuff we buy and…
FAQ
Have questions about Substance Law? Here are some of the most common queries to help you get started.
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
