Whether you are launching a new start-up, managing a growing family business, or leading an established corporation, it is important to have trusted legal advice that keeps pace with regulatory changes in Alberta and across Canada. From beneficial ownership transparency rules to anti-spam compliance and virtual corporate governance, the corporate landscape is constantly evolving.
At Verhaeghe Law Office, our Edmonton corporate commercial lawyers work with businesses at every stage of their lifecycle. We help clients understand their legal obligations, manage risk and complete transactions in a practical, business-focused way. To connect with our team, contact us or call (587) 410 2500 to speak with an Edmonton corporate commercial business lawyer.
Understanding Corporate Commercial Law in Alberta
Alberta corporations are primarily governed by the Business Corporations Act and related regulations. In recent years, amendments have modernized corporate law by expanding options for virtual meetings, electronic delivery of materials, and streamlined use of shareholder resolutions for certain private corporations.
At the federal level, corporations governed by the Canada Business Corporations Act now face enhanced beneficial ownership disclosure and public registry requirements, which began coming into force in January 2024. The federal government also committed to building a broader public beneficial ownership registry by the end of 2025 to increase transparency and deter financial crime.
Alberta continues to consult on proposed beneficial ownership record requirements for private companies, which would require corporations to maintain more detailed internal records about individuals who ultimately own or control them.
Our Edmonton corporate commercial lawyers monitor these developments and help clients adapt governance practices, minute book records, and transaction structures so they remain compliant while staying focused on day-to-day operations.
Incorporations And Corporate Organization in Alberta
Verhaeghe Law’s corporate commercial team regularly assists entrepreneurs and established business owners with incorporations and reorganizations. We can explain the differences between operating as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or professional corporation, and how each structure impacts liability, taxation, financing, and succession planning.
Helpful public information on starting a business in Alberta is available through the provincial government, but business owners can greatly benefit from personalized legal advice tailored to their industry and risk profile.
At Verhaeghe Law, our related services include:
- Incorporations
- Starting a business and choosing a structure
- Sole proprietorship and business name registrations
- Business partnerships and partnership agreements
- Rollovers and reorganizations
- Shareholder reorganization and estate planning for owners
- Joint venture structuring
- Condominium corporation organization
- Dissolving corporations and reviving dissolved corporations
- Corporate governance advice and minute book maintenance
- Trade names, copyrights and basic intellectual property coordination
- Corporate name changes
- Corporate securities matters for closely held companies
- And more
We can also coordinate with your accountants and financial advisors to ensure that any reorganization or rollover is tax-efficient and consistent with your broader business strategy. Public guidance on why businesses may choose to incorporate can be a helpful starting point, but legal advice can help you apply these concepts to your specific situation.
Corporate Agreements And Internal Policies
Well-drafted contracts and internal policies can significantly reduce the risk of disputes and costly litigation. Our Edmonton corporate commercial lawyers assist with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of agreements, including:
- Partnership agreements
- Joint venture agreements
- Shareholder agreements and unanimous shareholder agreements
- Franchise agreements and disclosure document review
- Service and supply agreements
- Software as a service and technology licensing contracts
- Vendor and procurement contracts
- Confidentiality and non-competition agreements
- Corporate governance policies and manuals
- Labour and employment policies
- Anti-spam and electronic communications policies
- Other service-related policies and procedures
We prioritize agreements that are clear, enforceable, and consistent with your commercial goals. Where disputes do arise, our civil litigation team can also assist with negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings if necessary.
Beneficial Ownership, Governance, And Compliance
Transparency and governance expectations for corporations have been increasing steadily since 2025 and beyond.
Beneficial Ownership Records And Registries
Many Canadian jurisdictions now require corporations to maintain an internal register of individuals with significant control, often referred to as “beneficial owners.” For federal corporations, new rules in force since January 22, 2024, require disclosure of this beneficial ownership information to Corporations Canada, with certain details made accessible through a public online registry.
The Alberta government has signalled its intention to introduce similar beneficial ownership record-keeping obligations for private companies, and has sought feedback from the business community on how these rules should be designed.
Our Edmonton corporate commercial lawyers can assist you with:
- Reviewing existing share structures and control arrangements
- Preparing or updating beneficial ownership registers
- Aligning shareholder agreements and corporate records with new transparency rules
- Coordinating with tax and accounting advisors to manage information sharing
Modern Corporate Governance Strategies
We also help clients update their bylaws, shareholder agreements, and governance practices to reflect:
- Virtual or hybrid shareholder and board meetings
- Electronic signatures and document delivery
- Updated quorum and voting rules permitted under the Alberta Business Corporations Act and related amendments
- Enhanced director duties, compliance expectations and risk management practices
Acquisitions, Dispositions And Corporate Transactions
Buying or selling a business involves careful planning, due diligence, and negotiation. Verhaeghe Law’s corporate commercial lawyers in Edmonton can assist with:
- Share and asset purchase or sale transactions
- Management buy-outs and vendor take-back financings
- Corporate asset sales and reorganizations prior to a sale
- Due diligence on corporate records, contracts, leases, and employment matters
- Purchase and sale agreements and ancillary documents
- Closing agendas, conditions and transaction management
We can coordinate with our real estate team to address property-related aspects of a transaction, and with our employment law team to advise on employee transfers, terminations, and post-closing integration.
Labour, Employment, And Workplace Issues
Alberta corporate and commercial businesses must navigate employment standards, human rights rules, occupational health and safety obligations and, in some cases, collective agreements. Our legal team can help employers:
- Draft and review employment contracts and independent contractor agreements
- Prepare workplace policies addressing harassment, performance management, social media, and remote work
- Respond to employee complaints and internal investigations
- Manage restructuring, layoffs, and terminations in accordance with provincial legislation
Where necessary, we work with our litigation team to represent employers in negotiations, mediations, or court actions arising from workplace disputes.
Why Work With Our Edmonton Corporate Commercial Lawyers?
Verhaeghe Law Office is committed to ongoing relationships with our business clients. Our approach includes:
- A focus on practical, business-oriented advice that complements guidance from your accountants and financial advisors
- Experience across a range of industries, including construction, professional services, real estate, hospitality, and technology
- Coordination with other practice groups within our firm, including civil litigation, construction law, and wills and estates for owner succession planning
- Attention to evolving corporate law, including beneficial ownership transparency, digital governance, and regulatory compliance since 2024
Whether you need a one-time review of a key contract or ongoing general counsel-style support, our team will work with you to scale our services to the size and complexity of your business.
Schedule A Consultation With Our Edmonton Corporate Commercial Lawyers Today
Our Edmonton corporate commercial lawyers provide legal services designed to help your business anticipate and manage legal issues before they become problems. We assist start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and larger corporations throughout Alberta.
If you require services related to corporate or commercial law, please contact our Edmonton corporate commercial lawyers by completing our online contact form or calling our Edmonton office at (587) 410 2500. Our team will connect you with a lawyer who can discuss your business, identify next steps, and help you move forward with confidence.
Please note, the information in this article does not constitute legal advice. It is intended as a general overview of an area of business law. For legal advice, please consult with a lawyer.