Launch Your Burnaby Police Protection Service: A Practical Guide
This page offers a practical, step-by-step roadmap to explore starting a police protection service in Burnaby (NAICS 922120). It covers the basics of getting legally set up and running, with a clear 10-point requirements checklist to help you gauge readiness. You’ll find essential guidance on licensing, permits, insurance, safety protocols, and compliance so you can plan a responsible, compliant operation from day one.
You’ll learn the specifics: which permits and government approvals you need, how the licensing process works, and realistic startup costs—from registration and insurance to equipment, training, and renewals. We outline a practical timeline with milestones so you can move from concept to contracts with public or private sector partners. You’ll also see how to build a simple compliance program, draft a business plan that aligns with municipal security expectations, and prepare for audits.
Burnaby’s growing business scene and proximity to Metro Vancouver create solid opportunities for compliant, community-focused protection services. With clear steps and local knowledge, you can build a compliant, competitive operation.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a police protection business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and is how the government identifies your business for taxes, payroll, and other filings. You cannot legally operate, hire staff, or open business bank accounts without a BN. This requirement is non-negotiable.
Beyond that, you’ll need to be ready to meet health, safety, and governance expectations. Grouped together, these include WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration to keep workers safe on the job; Public Service Employment Standards for fair hiring practices and hours; Compliance with Conflict of Interest and Ethics rules; and Privacy protections under Access to Information and Privacy, plus any applicable Official Languages Act requirements. These areas help ensure your operation treats employees and clients properly and keeps sensitive information secure.
On the registration and tax side, you’ll want BC Business Name Registration if you plan to operate under a name other than your own, and GST/HST Registration if you reach the sales threshold or choose to register voluntarily. Payroll Deductions Registration is needed if you employ people. Remember that your BN covers many tax accounts, but additional registrations may be required depending on how you structure and run the business.
Next steps: check Burnaby and BC government resources, and consider speaking with an accountant or business advisor. Start with the BN, then complete BC Name Registration if required, and set up the necessary tax and safety registrations. With a clear plan and support, you’ll be on solid footing to launch a compliant, responsible security service.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a police protection 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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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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