Written by: Josh Buchanan, Magnaltus Consulting
In addition to obtaining a municipal business licence, some businesses also require specialized licenses and permits. Specialized licences and permits can be regulated and issued by the federal government, provincial government, municipal government, professional associations, or safety associations depending on the industry and nature of the business.
In some industries, businesses may not require any additional licences or permits. Businesses that offer services such as digital marketing, management consulting, cleaning, or basic property maintenance may be able to operate with only a standard municipal business licence. In other cases, some businesses may require several specialty licences and permits.
A common example of a business that requires specialty licences and permits is a food service business in Saskatchewan. In order to operate a public eating business, a Public Eating Establishment Licence is required to be issued through the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). For public establishments that serve alcohol, a Liquor Permit must be issued through the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA)..
Businesses that sell other regulated goods such as vapour and tobacco products must also apply for a retail licence through the provincial government. Businesses that handle fuel products like gasoline and propane require a Fuel Tax Licence through the provincial government and a Propane License through the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan.
Businesses that utilize food trucks, mobile vending carts, or set up sidewalk patios may also require additional licences and permits issued through the municipality in which they are conducting business. Businesses that offer specialty services such as daycare facilities, casinos, taxi and transport services, or funeral and cremations services also require additional licences through provincial various governing bodies.
In terms of health and safety, certain certificates may be required to conduct business such as food safety training for food service businesses. Additional licences may be required for the safe operation of equipment like drones or elevators and motor vehicles like passenger vehicles or transportation trucks. Special safety inspections may be required in cases such as tattoo and body piercing parlours.
When it comes to regulated professions such as accountants, pharmacists, physiotherapists, massage therapists, and real estate agents, individuals practicing in such fields must obtain the necessary credentials and be registered and in good standing with the appropriate professional associations and governing bodies.
In some cases,various forms of building and construction permits may be required to make structural changes to a commercial facility, provide construction services, or set up signage. Building permits, plumbing permits, electrical permits, and signage permits are issued by municipal governments and the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan.
For businesses that plan to import or export products, permits and approvals are overseen by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). For businesses that plan to produce, import, and sell certain medical devices or food products, Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency ensure that safety standards are met.
It can be overwhelming at first to navigate which licenses and permits your business needs and how to properly obtain them. BizPal (https://bizpal.ca/) is a great resource to get started and find out which specialty requirements are relevant to your business. Once you have obtained the necessary licences and permits, most will simply require the payment of annual fees to keep them active.
Sources:
Saskatchewan Tobacco Retailer License – https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/taxes-licensing-and-reporting/provincial-taxes-policies-and-bulletins/tobacco-tax/tobacco-retailers
Information for Tobacco and Vapour Product Retailers – https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/wellness-and-prevention/tobacco-and-vapour-products/information-for-vapour-product-retailers
Fuel Tax Licence Information – https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/taxes-licensing-and-reporting/provincial-taxes-policies-and-bulletins/fuel-tax/fuel-tax-licences/apply-for-a-fuel-tax-licence
Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan Licences – https://www.tsask.ca/licensing-applications/
Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan Permits and Inspections – https://www.tsask.ca/permits-inspections/
Saskatoon Specialized Business Requirements Information – https://www.saskatoon.ca/business- development/business-licenses/start-business/specialized-requirements
Saskatchewan Health Authority Food Business Information –
https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca/your-health/conditions-illnesses-services-wellness/all-z/food-safety/requirements-opening-food-business
Saskatchewan Food Production and Preparation Information – https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/environment-public-health-and-safety/food-safety
Saskatchewan Government Insurance Motor Vehicle Licence Information – https://sgi.sk.ca/handbook/-/knowledge_base/drivers/classified-licence-system
Canada Drone Information – https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/flying-your-drone-safely-legally
Canada Border Services Agency Import Information – https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/guide-eng.html
Canada Border Services Agency Commercial Exports Information – https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/export/menu-eng.html