Here’s a snapshot of the differences and similarities of the incorporation process in Western Canada. No matter which western province you’re in, we can help! Click here if you want Co-operatives First to handle the incorporation process for your co-op.
| Consideration | Manitoba | Saskatchewan | Alberta | British Columbia |
| Minimum number of shareholders | 3 | 6* | 3 | 3 or more persons or eligible organizations |
| Minimum number of directors | 3 | 5* | 3 | 3 |
| Name requirements | Must contain cooperative, co-operative, coopérative, coop, co-op or pool and end with the word limited, ltd., incorporated, inc., limitée, incorporée, or ltée | Must contain co-operative or co-op and limited or ltd | Must have the word co-operative, coop, co-op, coopérative, united, or pool | Must contain the word Cooperative, coop or co-op, or an alternative like association, society, union, or exchange |
| Share class provisions | Membership and Investment | Common and Preferred | Membership and Investment | Membership and Investment |
| Multi-stakeholder allowed? | Yes | No* | Yes | Yes |
| Incorporation fee** | $250 or $70 if incorporating as a community services co-op + name search | $285 or $70 for a non-profit co-op (name reservation included) | $100 + name search | $280 including name approval fee |
| Department Responsible | Companies Office | Information Services Corporation | Service Alberta | BC Registries and Online Services |
*According to the Saskatchewan Cooperatives Act, a group can submit an appeal to the registrar to incorporate with fewer than suggested shareholders/directors or more share classes.
**Each province does allow interprovincial registration/incorporation for a similar fee.
Enjoy this tool on Incorporating a co-op in Western Canada? Then you’ll enjoy our incorporation timeframe or our blog on the 5 things a co-op need to do after incorporating.
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