How to Start All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Health Care Services in Burnaby
This page gives a practical, no-nonsense road map to launching an All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Health Care Services business (NAICS 621999) in Burnaby. You’ll find a clear six-item requirements overview, plus the permits, approvals, and realistic costs and timelines you’ll face. This is a friendly, practical guide designed for Burnaby entrepreneurs. Use this guide to move from idea to opening with confidence.
In this guide you’ll learn the six requirements you’ll typically face, including business registration, local permits and zoning checks, health authority approvals, facility safety and accessibility compliance, staff licensing and credentials where applicable, and privacy and liability insurance. We break down permits, estimated upfront costs, and a practical timeline from planning to launch, with concrete steps to prepare and submit applications.
Burnaby’s growing health-care scene and convenient facilities make this a smart place to launch. With the basics covered here, you’ll open doors faster, stay compliant, and start serving clients in a supportive local environment.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a health care services business in Burnaby is Controlled Drugs and Substances Authorization. This authorization is legally required if your practice handles controlled drugs (for example, prescribing, dispensing, or storing such substances), and you cannot legally operate without it. It is non-negotiable—without this authorization you would be out of compliance and unable to provide those services.
Beyond that, there are practical operational steps to keep your work safe and compliant. Plan for health and safety by ensuring you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration, which protects workers and helps you meet provincial safety rules in ambulatory care settings. In addition, you’ll want to follow standard infection control practices and privacy protections relevant to health care; check with local authorities to confirm any specific permits or approvals that may apply to your exact services.
For business registration and tax, you’ll need straightforward registrations and numbers. Start with a Business Number (BN) registration with the Canada Revenue Agency. If you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, register your BC business name. You’ll also handle GST/HST registration and payroll deductions registration for employees. These steps ensure you can bill clients properly and meet tax obligations without delays.
If you’re unsure where to begin, take it one step at a time and reach out to the relevant agencies as you go. Start with confirming the Controlled Drugs and Substances Authorization requirements that apply to your services, then set up your BN, business name (if needed), GST/HST, and payroll registrations, and finally secure WorkSafeBC coverage. You’ve got this—with a clear plan you’ll be up and running before you know it.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other miscellaneous ambulatory health care services in Burnaby:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Controlled Drugs and Substances Authorization RequiredHealthcare practitioners and facilities handling controlled substances (narcotics, benzodiazepines) must be authorized and licensed under federal regulations. Includes secure storage, record-keeping, and reporting requirements. Health Canada Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) authorization. Dealer license for controlled substances. Pharmacies: provincial licensing. Hospitals: authorization. Narcotics: strict requirements. Monthly reporting. Security requirements. Contact Health Canada Controlled Substances: 1-866-358-0453.
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your all other miscellaneous ambulatory health care services:
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The HIPP provided up to $200,000 over 9 months for Stage 1 proof-of-concept, with Stage 2 covering up to 75% of eligible expenses over up to 3 years (minimum 25% applicant cost-share). Eligible applicants included Alberta post-secondary institutions, government entities, health delivery agents, and for-profit or not-for-profit organizations. The program …
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The Invest Ontario Fund (IOF) is administered by Invest Ontario, a provincial Crown corporation, to attract and retain strategic business investments in Ontario. The fund provides financial support of up to $4 million through a combination of grants and loans to companies undertaking significant investments in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, …
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The IDCCF addresses the impact of climate change on human health by funding projects that increase surveillance, research, and public awareness of climate-sensitive infectious diseases. Maximum $150,000 per year for projects up to 3 years in duration. Eligible applicants include not-for-profits, universities, Indigenous organizations, provincial/territorial/municipal governments. Federal departments and for-profit …
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SUAP provides contribution funding for a wide range of projects including substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. Individual project awards have ranged from approximately $1.6 million to $6.3 million in recent announcements. Eligible recipients include not-for-profit health organizations, universities, Indigenous organizations, and other levels of government. For-profit organizations …
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CIHR Catalyst Grants are short-term seed grants (up to 1 year) designed as a first step toward larger, longer-term research projects. The Digital Health stream specifically targets early and mid-career researchers and Indigenous Health researchers working on digital health technologies. Application deadline: March 17, 2026. Total pool: $1,000,000 (approximately 10 …
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