Launch Other Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities in Surrey
This page helps you plan and start an All Other Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities business (NAICS 922190) in Surrey. It lays out the 11 required steps, including permits, licenses, and registrations you’ll need to secure. You’ll also see expected costs and a realistic timeline to move from idea to launch—so you can budget and schedule with confidence.
Learn exactly which steps are mandatory, the recommended order to complete them, and who to contact for approvals. We outline typical startup and ongoing costs, common permit fees, and potential delays so you can plan buffers. The guide translates regulatory language into actionable tasks you can check off on a calendar, helping you stay organized and on track.
Surrey offers a growing market and supportive small-business resources, making it a smart place to start this safety-focused venture. With a diverse community and proximity to major hubs, you’ll find opportunities to collaborate with partners and scale your business over time.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Surrey, BC is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the federal government and you cannot legally operate without it. It’s the essential key for taxes, payroll, and many other filings, and without it you won’t be able to complete the other registrations or reports your business will need. This is NON-NEGOTIABLE—you must have a BN before doing anything else.
Next, there are mandatory operational requirements that cover health, safety, and permits, plus core compliance tasks. You’ll need a Surrey business licence to legally operate in the city. For worker safety, secure and maintain WorkSafeBC coverage. You’ll also need to align with applicable standards such as Public Service Employment Standards, Financial Administration Act Compliance, and general ethics and privacy rules (Conflicts of Interest and Ethics; Access to Information and Privacy). If you deal with government work or public bodies, expect additional obligations like Official Languages Act compliance. These items are about running your business responsibly and staying within the rules.
On the business registration and tax side, make sure you complete BC Business Name Registration if you’re a sole proprietor or partnership, and handle GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration as you hire employees. The BN you already have will cover many broader tax tasks, but these registrations ensure you can bill properly, report taxes, and withhold payroll taxes correctly.
If you’re ready, the next steps are straightforward: start with the BN, apply for your Surrey business licence, consider BC Business Name Registration if needed, and set up GST/HST and payroll deductions. I’m here to help you with a simple step-by-step checklist and realistic timelines so you can move forward confidently without delays.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other justice, public order, and safety activities in Surrey:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey 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 Surrey Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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Public Service Employment Standards ConditionalRequired for public service employment. Government organizations must comply with public service employment standards, merit-based hiring, bilingualism requirements, and accountability frameworks. Public Service Employment Act compliance for federal government. Merit-based hiring. Official languages. Staffing processes. Contact PSC: 1-855-330-3310.
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Financial Administration Act Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government organizations must follow financial management rules, procurement policies, contracting standards, and audit requirements. Financial Administration Act compliance for federal contractors. Procurement rules. Payment terms. Audit requirements. Conflict of interest. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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Conflict of Interest and Ethics ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Public officials and government employees must comply with conflict of interest rules, ethics codes, disclosure requirements, and post-employment restrictions. Conflict of Interest Act for federal government appointees and public office holders. Disclosure requirements. Divestment. Post-employment restrictions. Contact Ethics Commissioner: 613-995-0721.
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Access to Information and Privacy ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government bodies must comply with access to information requests, privacy protection, records management, and transparency obligations. Access to Information and Privacy Act compliance for federal contractors. Records management. ATIP request handling. Privacy breach procedures. Training requirements. Designated coordinator. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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Official Languages Act Compliance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Federal government institutions must provide services in English and French, comply with language-of-work rights, and implement bilingual communications. Official Languages Act compliance for federal institutions and contractors. Bilingual services. Language of work. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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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.
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