Canadian businesses are increasingly turning to a franchise model to market their products and services in a competitive environment.
We represent both franchisors and franchisees at all stages of the franchising arrangement, including negotiating and drafting franchise agreements and distribution contracts, assisting with day-to-day business matters, reporting requirements, changes in operation and advising on disputes and strategic opportunities.
On October 13, 2026, British Columbia’s new Mortgage Services Act, S.B.C. 2022, c. 27 (the “MSA”) will come into force and effect, replacing the longstanding Mortgage Brokers Act, R.S.B.C. ch. 313 (the “MBA”). The MSA introduces a modernized regulatory framework for mortgage service providers, including expanded licensing requirements, increased disclosure obligations, enhanced enforcement tools, and significantly higher penalties for non-compliance.
This week, Watson Goepel was proud to take part in International Connections: Europe & Canada, the second installment in a series dedicated to strengthening the commercial ties between Canada and European markets. Hosted in RBC’s Executive Dining Space in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the event brought together business leaders, trade professionals, and government representatives for an evening of substantive conversation and genuine connection.
On September 18, 2026, the BC Government announced that it is pausing the planned expansion of the provincial sales tax (PST) to certain professional services that had been scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026. This BC PST expansion pause comes as the Province cited ongoing international trade disruptions and economic uncertainty as the reason for the delay.
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