Breaking News:

Electronic Disclosure to be Permitted in Ontario 

as of July 1, 2016

This amending regulation will come into effect on July 1, 2016. You may view the regulatory change at https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/000581. CFA recommends that members speak with their legal counsel to understand how this amendment will specifically impact your business.

This is a significant improvement and we thank all CFA members who supported our lobbying efforts by sending letters and e-mails to Minister David Orazietti explaining why electronic and courier delivery are important to your business. This amendment as a long overdue modernization of the regulations to the Arthur Wishart Act. All other Canadian provinces that have enacted franchise disclosure legislation allow for disclosure delivery done electronically or by courier. This amendment brings Ontario in-line with other provinces and creates greater consistency across provincial franchise disclosure laws. This amendment will also reduce unnecessary burden on business transactions and be meaningful for both franchisors and prospective franchisees.

CFA's work on the Arthur Wishart Act is not complete. The Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services has appointed a Business Law Advisory Council to form recommendations to government on how Ontario corporate and commercial laws, such as the Arthur Wishart Act, might may be amended to make Ontario a more "business-friendly" jurisdiction. CFA will be working closely with the Advisory Council. Our input will not be restricted to the Arthur Wishart Act and will include any legislation that is proving troublesome to CFA members. 

You can help us by letting us know about any legislation in Ontario that is posing challenges to your business. Contact Erica Kelsey, Director, Government Relations, at ekelsey@cfa.ca or call 1-800-665-4232 ext. 297.