Investment Canada Act Notification Requirements For Foreign Investors

What foreign investors should know about notifications, government review and national security screening

Canada continues to seek foreign investment and remains an attractive destination for international investors.

Foreign investors should assess the potential application of the Investment Canada Act early in the transaction-planning process, particularly where the Canadian business operates in a sensitive sector or possesses valuable technology, infrastructure or data.

A non-Canadian investor may be required to file a notification under the Investment Canada Act when establishing a new Canadian business or acquiring control of an existing Canadian business. Certain high-value transactions require approval before closing, while any foreign investment may be reviewed on national security grounds. Where a notification is required, it may generally be filed before implementation or within 30 days afterward.