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Articles of Incorporation

  • Suitable For:Canada (9 provinces + 3 territories)
  • Downloads:92
  • Last Updated:
  • Time to Complete:3 min.
  • Available formats:PDF and Word

Set up your company in Canada with a professionally drafted articles of incorporation template. Used by founders in Ontario, Alberta and BC to save time for drafting and get a fully customisable template in minutes.

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The purchase process was straightforward, and I received my document without any complications. The wording was professional and the format was easy to work with. A useful option for a small business that needs documents ready quickly.
— Sophie Martin, Small Business Owner (Alberta)

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Articles of Incorporation template for Canada: the first page of the document

What are the benefits of these articles of incorporation template?

By customising this template from FasterDraft you can create a solid and professionally drafted articles of incorporation Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba or other Canadian provinces in minutes without any hassle. 
This template offers the following benefits:

  • The wording of articles of incorporation template is built to match with main requirements of federal and provincial legislative requirements;
  • Download the ready-made articles of incorporation PDF or Word format upoin your choice;
  • Define the internal organization structure of your future corporation by setting out share classes, director details and other corporate restrictions;
  • After the download articles of incorporation PDF or Word are ready for further submission and registration.
  • You do not need to be a lawyer or have any legal background to customise this template.

Free articles of incorporation template vs FasterDraft template

When you incorporate a business in Canada you either have to visit a lawyer and overpay or use a blank government template. This articles of incorporation template sits between the two – you get a professionally drafted document that is fully suitable for your business needs, while paying the fraction of lawyer’s fees.

If you are planning to incorporate business in Canada, download this template from FasterDraft.

Who can use these articles of incorporation template?

The present template would be an ideal solution for anyone who is willing to incorporate a business in Canada without hiring a professional lawyer, including:

  • Foreign investors searching for a fast legal solution to set up a company in  Canada;
  • First-time founders starting their business;
  • Solo operators and independent consultants switching from sole proprietor to incorporated entity;
  • Accountants and bookkeepers setting up entities for clients and looking for professionally drafted templates of articles of incorporation Manitoba, articles of incorporation Saskatchewan, articles of incorporation New Brunswick etc.

Are articles of incorporation manda tory?

Yes. You need to have articles of incorporation to incorporate business Canada-wide. This rule applies to all provinces across Canada. Our template is one of the required documents you need to file for registering business in Canada.

What does Canadian law say about that?

Incorporation in Canada happens federally or provincially, and the template adapts to either. Section 6 of the Canada Business Corporations Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. C-44) sets out exactly what federal articles must contain, from the corporate name and share classes to director numbers and restrictions on the business, and the template is built around that list. Each province runs its own registry under its own statute, so the same structure covers articles of incorporation Ontario, articles of incorporation Alberta, articles of incorporation BC, and filings in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Quebec.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I file federally or provincially?

Both are options. Federal incorporation under the CBCA gives nationwide name protection, while provincial incorporation is often simpler if you operate in one province.

2. Is there a template for my province?

Yes. The template adapts for articles of incorporation Ontario, Alberta, BC, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Quebec, and more, and you select the fields for your registry.

3. Can I see an example before filing?

Yes. The template includes an articles of incorporation Alberta example and a sample layout so you can see how each field is completed.

4. How do I actually file it?

You submit the completed articles to Corporations Canada or your provincial registry, usually online, with the filing fee. The template produces the document, and filing is a separate step.

5. What share structure should I use?

Many small corporations start with one class of common shares. If you plan to bring in investors, get advice before you file.

6. Can I change the articles later?

Yes, but amending articles of incorporation in Ontario or another province is a separate filing with its own fee.

7. Are articles of incorporation public?

Yes. Once filed, they’re part of the public corporate record.

8. What's the difference between articles and bylaws?

The articles create the corporation and set its structure, while the bylaws set the internal rules for how it runs. They’re separate documents.

9. What’s the difference between articles of incorporation and a certificate of incorporation?

Articles of incorporation are prepared by a founder who shall further submit this document for registration. Once the registration of a corporation is approved, the registry shall issue the certificate of incorporation confirming the fact that your company legally exists.

10. How do I obtain articles of incorporation in Ontario?

Fill in the template, then submit it through the Ontario Business Registry. The product handles the drafting; filing stays in your hands.

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