Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is BizPaL?
BizPaL is an online service that benefits Canadian businesses by helping them identify which permits and licences they require and how to obtain them. Entrepreneurs simply select the business activities they plan to undertake and BizPaL then automatically generates a list of all required permits and licences from all levels of government (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal), along with basic information on each, and links to government sites where the entrepreneur can learn more and, in some cases, apply online.
Q2: Do I have to pay to use BizPaL?
No, BizPaL is a free service offered by the government however a cost may be associated to acquiring the permits and licences you need.
Q3: What’s in it for you?
BizPaL saves you time and money — With BizPaL, the need to contact multiple levels of government to acquire the various permits and licences you need is greatly reduced. Most of the information you need is available from a single source. This means you spend less time searching and more time building your business.
BizPaL improves business planning — BizPaL streamlines approvals. That means you are well on your way to acquiring the permits and licences which may be required.
Get answers when you need them — As an online service, BizPaL is available whenever you need it. Night or day, BizPaL is there to help you navigate government requirements. BizPaL also provides contact information and access to online application forms if available.
Q4: How much will it cost me to get the permits and licences I need?
Costs for permits and licences vary. See your provincial, territorial and/or municipal’s website for details.
Q5: Why do I need permits and licences to start or expand my business?
Permits and licences are required to ensure that you are following the regulations set out by the government for conducting and building a business in Canada. Failure to comply with permit and licence regulations could result in fines.
Q6: Which permits and licences are available through BizPaL?
The permits and licences included in BizPaL are some of those needed to open or operate specific types of businesses (industry sectors). Each participating jurisdiction decides which industry sectors to include in BizPaL and then identifies various permits and licences that are needed for each industry sector.
NOTE: Please note that the BizPaL database is not all inclusive. You will still have to conduct additional research to ensure that your business is regulatory compliant.
Q7: What can I do if my municipality is not on BizPaL?
To acquire the permits and licences from your municipality, you may contact your local city hall.
Q8: The web site is not working, what should I do?
Please use our contact us form to report all technical problems. 
Q9: Who is responsible for the development and maintenance of BizPaL?
Each jurisdiction researches and inputs the permits and licences for the BizPaL service relevant to their level of government and provides their own interface for the tool.
Q10: What is the difference between the map and the “Launch BizPaL” button?
When using the map you may click on the province where your business will be located to access the BizPaL service. By clicking on the “Launch BizPaL” button, the BizPaL service will be automatically launched from BizPaL.ca. You will get the same results from both options.
Q11: How can my municipality join the BizPaL network?
The federal government is responsible for securing provincial participation in BizPaL, and the provinces are responsible for securing local government participation. A business representative, Member of Parliament or any interested party can contact a Mayor, councillor or municipal official should they wish to investigate the implementation of BizPaL in a specific municipality. The municipal representative would then contact their respective province or territory to express their interest.
Q12: Why isn’t BizPaL available in my province or territory?
We welcome the participation of all provinces and territories in the BizPaL initiative and are continuing our efforts to promote the benefits of BizPaL and to further develop our relationships with jurisdictions who have not signed on to the project.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has met with all provinces and territories with regard to joining the BizPaL partnership and actively seeks ways to further collaborate with all jurisdictions.
Q13: Where can I find permit and licence information for Nunavut?
BizPaL is not available in Nunavut at this time. Visit the Government of Nunavut website for more information.