Investment Canada Act: An Act Respecting Investment in Canada

Abstract

The Investment Canada Act (the Act) provides for the review of significant investments in Canada by non-Canadians in order to ensure benefit to Canada. The legislation describing the ‘review function’ and associated rules is complex, and as such, this document is intended to serve as an introduction to the Act, describing its key features. It is intended to help investors and others to understand how non-Canadian investors are to respond to the Act's requirements. However, it is only a general guide. It does not include all of the details found in the Act, and is not intended to express a legal opinion of the Government of Canada as to the interpretation of the Act, nor is it bound by its content. For the application of the Act to a particular situation, the reader is advised to consult the specific provisions of the Act and to obtain appropriate legal counsel.

Key words:

• investment
• Canada
• act
• legislation
• regulation

Additional information

Notes on contributors

The Government of Canada created Invest Canada to promote, attract, and retain foreign direct investment in Canada. As a bureau of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Invest Canada assists multinational companies planning to invest in Canadian businesses or to expand their operations in the country. It provides guidance on every step of the investment process, from the exploratory phase to site selection and follow-up: Invest Canada provides a wealth of information about doing business in Canada, and introduces specialists who offer one-on-one assistance customized to meet any needs.