Launch Flower, Nursery Stock, and Florists' Supplies Wholesale in Regina
This page shows you how to start a Flower, Nursery Stock, and Florists' Supplies Merchant Wholesalers business in Regina. It offers a practical, step-by-step look at the 10 essential requirements you’ll need to meet—from registering your business to securing the right licenses, permits, and insurance. You’ll get a clear overview of what’s required, plus rough costs and a realistic timeline to get your wholesale operation off the ground.
What you’ll learn includes the exact permits and licenses you must secure (municipal business license, CRA business number with GST/HST registration, and any provincial registrations), typical startup costs, and how long each step often takes. We’ll share practical tips for setting up inventory, choosing warehousing, establishing wholesale accounts, and staying compliant with safety, labeling, and flower-handling standards.
Regina’s central location, strong horticulture and wholesale networks, and business-friendly climate make this a smart place to launch. You’ll be well positioned to serve Western Canada with efficient logistics and access to local growers and retailers.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a flower, nursery stock, and florists' supplies merchant wholesalers in Regina is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you cannot bypass, and you cannot legally operate without putting in place proper product safety practices, labeling, and a clear recall plan. You must be prepared to act quickly if a safety issue arises and to keep records that regulators can review. This requirement is non-negotiable and foundation-level for doing business in this field.
Next, mandatory operational requirements cover health, safety, and permits, and you should group these by what you actually manage day-to-day. Start with the basics you need to run the business: a Regina business licence to operate legally within the city, and compliance with workplace safety standards. If you have employees, you’ll also need to register with the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) to provide workplace insurance. If you plan to bring in goods from outside Saskatchewan or move products across borders, consider any applicable import/export obligations early and have a plan for registration if needed. If your business structure is a partnership, you’ll need to complete Partnership Registration; if you’re forming a corporation, that will drive separate steps later.
For business registration and tax, you’ll need solid identifiers to keep taxes and filings in order. Register your Saskatchewan business name with ISC, and obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency to handle taxes, payroll, and any cross-border activity. You’ll also need GST/HST registration if your revenue meets the threshold, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. If you’re incorporating, Saskatchewan Corporation Registration is required. If you anticipate importing or exporting, secure an Import/Export Business Number as well. These numbers keep your finances compliant and make life easier when you file returns.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a flower, nursery stock, and florists' supplies merchant wholesalers in Regina:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Regina. Apply to City of Regina for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Regina Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Product Safety and Recall Obligations RequiredWholesalers must ensure products meet Canadian safety standards and report serious incidents. Must participate in product recalls and maintain records for traceability. No registration - compliance law. Manufacturers/importers/sellers must ensure products are safe. MANDATORY REPORTING to Health Canada if: death/serious injury occurred or could occur, defects found, inadequate labeling, or recall in other jurisdiction. Keep records 6 years. Penalties: fines, seizure, criminal charges. Report incidents online or call 1-866-662-0666.
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Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) RequiredBusinesses in Saskatchewan operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Corporate Registry. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed online through Corporate Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years for sole proprietorships and partnerships. Register with ISC (Information Services Corporation) for business name. Required for sole proprietorships with trade name, partnerships. $65 registration fee, $60 renewal. Name reservation valid 90 days. Online registration also registers with Ministry of Finance and CRA.
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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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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships in Saskatchewan. Register partnership with ISC: 1. Complete partnership registration form 2. Submit through ISC 3. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships. Annual return may be required.
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Import/Export Business Number ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Wholesalers engaged in importing or exporting goods must register for an import/export account with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in addition to their CRA Business Number. As of Oct 21, 2024, register RM account through CBSA's CARM Client Portal (not CRA). Need BN9 first - get via CARM or CRA's BRO. FREE registration. Required for importing/exporting commercial goods. Ensure all business names match exactly to avoid border delays. CBSA manages RM accounts; CRA issues BN9. Contact CBSA Border Information Service: 1-800-461-9999.
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Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Saskatchewan. Employers in Saskatchewan must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage for workers. WCB provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions for specific industries and self-employed individuals. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker or commencing operations. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification rate and assessable payroll. Register with Saskatchewan WCB for workers compensation coverage. Required for employers in mandatory industries. 2024 average premium rate $1.28 per $100 payroll. Maximum assessable earnings $104,531. Directors on T4 excluded from 2025.
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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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Saskatchewan Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Saskatchewan. Incorporation of a company under Saskatchewan law. Incorporate through ISC Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through ISC online or registry 4. Pay incorporation fees Annual return required. Federal incorporation is alternative option.
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