A plan is essential to ensure a business’s successful entrance into a new market or jurisdiction. Part of determining your exportation readiness is laying out the necessary steps it takes to get you there. There are many things to consider so use this checklist to help you develop your exportation strategy:

1. Research: Have you done a thorough analysis of your target market?

○ Research is one of the first steps to take before you begin your exporting journey. The markets that attract you may seem like a good fit at first, but it is important to do a market analysis…

Throughout 2020 many small and medium-sized companies have been faced with financial hardship, forcing them to explore options such as temporary layoffs, to ensure their business survives. In the event you find yourself in a similar position, this blog answers six of the most common questions we get about the Alberta laws on temporary layoffs and recent changes made in response to COVID-19 (excluding employment governed by collective agreements).

Who has the authority to temporarily layoff employees?

Under section 62 of the Employment Standards Code, employers have the right to temporarily lay off employees. Temporary layoffs enable employers to dismiss…

In the digital era, websites are making it increasingly simple for businesses to enter the e-commerce space in order to buy and sell their products and services online, even if the transaction doesn’t actually occur on the website. What a lot of businesses are failing to consider is how they can utilize e-commerce to simplify the process of exporting products to new markets. And while there’s a lot to consider if your business chooses to take this route, it’s a very beneficial way to export products that are performing well for your company. …

It’s integral for every employer to understand constructive dismissal; especially if they are planning any major changes. Anytime a business retracts or moves to a new location, employees may be required to take on new responsibilities or move offices. When changes such as these occur, employers could be significantly altering the terms of employment for their employees which may result in an employee seeking damages for constructive dismissal.

These situations are often avoidable which is why we’ve created this article. In it, you’ll get a better understanding of what constructive dismissal is, what an employee will need to prove when…

As an employer it should come as no surprise that you have obligations to your employees. These obligations include things like providing reasonable notice or severance pay upon termination and respecting your employees right to privacy. While you have your responsibilities, it’s important for you to understand that your employees also have obligations to their employers, which extend beyond the duties of their job. When an employee decides to resign they are obligated to provide their employer with a resignation notice prior to their last day.

Here’s everything you need to know about employee resignations.

How much notice does an…

Market research is especially integral for the successful expansion of a business into new international markets. A thorough market research process will help you screen potential markets and identify which are the best fit for your business, allowing you to focus on a success strategy to enter those particular markets.

Getting started

It’s best to use a variety of resources when researching. We recommend using primary and secondary sources, beginning with secondary sources. Secondary sources are good to begin with because they provide a broad overview of information which can help you to pinpoint the issues most relevant to you…

Terminating an employee is a reality that most businesses will have to face at some point in time. Oftentimes, employees who have been terminated are entitled to reasonable notice or severance pay in lieu of notice. However, that isn’t always the case. When an employee is terminated with cause they are not entitled to either.

As an employer you have the ability to terminate with just cause at any point in time, but it’s important to understand that doing so you’re also opening yourself up to the potential of a wrongful dismissal claim. …

Global value chains are a popular way for businesses to increase efficiency and productivity, decrease overhead and deliver quality products at the lowest price possible. Rather than being the sole producer of their Canadian exports or relying entirely on the foreign market, more and more businesses are beginning to outsource certain components of their products or services. These components include everything from concept to R&D, production, marketing, distribution and even consumer support.

The popularity of global value chains have increased for three reasons.

1. Easier access to markets and increased ability to establish connections as a result of international trade agreements.
2. …