Part I: How to Ensure your Business is Compliant?

Running a business is no easy task. Businesses have to deal with all kinds of pressures namely, competitors, changing economic environment, market trends, and government policies to survive in the market. There are various policies formulated by the government which businesses have to adhere to. Effective business compliance is key for sustaining your business. As a business owner of a small, medium or large organisation you tend to focus your energies on strategies for business expansion and growth and you barely have the time to keep a track of changing government regulations. This is when hiring a legal expert solves your problem. Legal experts are adept with all the government regulations and their amendments. They are skilled to ensure business compliance.

Business Compliance has to be met in various areas such as:

  1. Environmental compliance
  2. Employment and Labour Laws Compliance
  3. Health regulations

Environmental Compliance

Your business should comply with the Canadian guidelines, permits, regulations and agreements pertaining to the environment. You have to make sure that you protect the land, water, air, birds and animals wherever your business operates. Keep a tab on how much chemicals used which could pollute the air and water near your business premise. Along with your legal expert, find out about all the necessary permits and licenses you need to start operating your business in a particular location. If your business is into polymers, chemicals and animate products of biotechnology, then notify the Environment Canada of new entrants in the market.

Employment and Labour Laws Compliance

Following all employment and labour laws is key to business compliance. Ensuring a good workplace environment for your employees is a responsibility of every business owner. All businesses should adhere to the laws pertaining to the number of working hours and workplace safety. Your prevention training requirements and resources should help provide your employees a carefree work space. To know more on workplace safety measures contact the provincial Ministry of Labour. As an employer you are legally required to register with the Workplace Security and Insurance Board (WSIB).

Health Regulations

If your business comes under the healthcare industry, then you need to know the licenses, permits and agreements pertaining to health. These regulations are applicable to businesses selling cosmetics as well. Health Canada is the main regulatory body for the healthcare industry. If your business is in the pharmaceutical industry, then you should ensure that the products are approved by Health Canada. All medical devices being sold should have accurate labels and maintain the standards prescribed by the Health Canada. The same applies to all the cosmetic products being manufactured and sold in Canada.

Apart from these, there are other areas where business compliance has to be met. Watch out for more on ‘How to ensure your business is compliant?’ in our next blog post.