Launch Your Farm Labor Contractor and Crew Leader Business in Burnaby
This page offers a practical, step-by-step path to launching a Farm Labor Contractor and Crew Leader business in Burnaby (NAICS 115115). It’s built for aspiring owners who want a clear plan—no fluff—covering what you need to register, license, insure, and operate. You’ll also get a concise overview of the five requirements, plus a realistic sense of costs and the setup timeline to move from idea to compliant operations.
Key things you’ll learn: the five essential requirements—business registration, licensing/permits, insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage, payroll and tax setup, and employment standards compliance—plus where to apply for permits, typical costs, and a realistic timeline to go from registration to operating crews in Burnaby.
Why Burnaby works: located in Metro Vancouver, Burnaby offers easy access to farms, suppliers, and a diverse labor pool, plus a business-friendly community and local support to help your Farm Labor Contractor and Crew Leader business scale. You’ll also benefit from a growing agricultural sector, regional training resources, and networking opportunities with local growers.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a farm labor contracting business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This federal identifier from the Canada Revenue Agency is used for taxes, payroll, and government filings. You cannot legally operate or hire workers without a BN, so treat it as non-negotiable from day one.
Beyond the BN, there are mandatory health and safety requirements. If you have employees, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration, and you’ll need to follow BC safety rules, provide training, and maintain proper records. Plan for basic safety measures, PPE, and clear procedures for injuries. Depending on your work sites, you may also need local permits or inspections—prioritize safety at every step.
For registration and taxes, register your BC Business Name if you plan to operate under a name other than your own, and consider GST/HST registration if your revenue meets the threshold (or if you choose to register voluntarily). Payroll Deductions Registration is necessary to withhold and remit taxes for employees. Your BN will tie these accounts together, so keep the number handy.
Next steps: start with the BN, then register your BC business name, and set up GST/HST and payroll deductions. Use CRA and BC government resources to complete forms on time, and contact WorkSafeBC if you need guidance. With these foundations in place, you’ll be better positioned to run a compliant, safe, and growing operation. If you’d like, I can outline a simple 90-day onboarding checklist to keep you on track.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a farm labor contractors and crew leaders 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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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 farm labor contractors and crew leaders:
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A $25.7M program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership open to not-for-profit and Indigenous organizations. AAFC contributes up to 70% of eligible costs (max $1M/year or $5M over 5 years; $100K/year or $500K for national fair projects). In-kind contributions capped at 15% of total. Priority intake closed May 30, 2025; …
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The Agricultural Living Laboratories Initiative (now operating under the Agricultural Climate Solutions — Living Labs program) is a $185-million, 10-year federal initiative that brings together farmers, scientists, and sector stakeholders to develop and evaluate innovative technologies and practices in real-world farm conditions. Fourteen living labs across Canada were launched in …
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The Agricultural Youth Green Jobs Initiative (AYGI) was a wage subsidy program under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada designed to attract youth to environmentally focused careers in agriculture. It offered two streams: the Green Farms Stream (subsidizing on-farm youth internships up to $10,000 per intern) and the Green Internships Stream (subsidizing …
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The Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Program (AgGGP) was a $27 million, five-year contribution program administered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, representing Canada's contribution to the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases. It provided funding to eligible institutions for GHG mitigation research in four priority areas: livestock systems, cropping systems, agricultural …
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BCSRIF is funded 70% federally (DFO) and 30% provincially (BC). Phase 2 provided $128.55M for 73 projects. Covers up to 100% of eligible costs for non-commercial organizations; commercial recipients receive 50-90% depending on size. Available for BC-based projects until March 31, 2026. Applications assessed competitively on merit.
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