Start Your Burnaby Temporary Help Services Business Today
This page provides a practical roadmap for launching a Burnaby-based Temporary Help Services business (NAICS 561320). It lays out the seven essential requirements you’ll need to meet and walks you through the permits, registrations, and startup steps that get you selling quickly while staying compliant. Whether you’re starting solo or aiming to build a team, this guide keeps things clear and doable.
Key takeaways include a detailed look at the seven requirements, where to obtain the necessary permits and licenses, and the core costs to expect—registration fees, insurance, payroll setup, software, and initial marketing. You’ll also find a realistic timeline that maps planning, registration, and your first placements from day one to the first 60–90 days.
Burnaby offers a friendly local market, diverse industries, and close access to Vancouver, making it a strong launchpad for temporary staffing. The city’s business climate supports flexible labor solutions across admin, hospitality, construction, and light industrial work, helping you grow steadily.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a temporary help service in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and you cannot legally operate your business without it. It is non-negotiable—every invoice, payroll, and tax filing hinges on having a valid BN, so start here and get it done before you do anything else.
For day-to-day operations, you’ll need to handle licensing and safety obligations. This includes obtaining a BC Employment Agency Licence and ensuring you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect workers and stay compliant with workplace rules. If you’ll be handling clients’ or candidates’ personal information, you’ll also need to follow privacy practices under PIPEDA. Grouped together, these items cover the essential licensing, safety, and privacy safeguards you must have in place to operate responsibly.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll want BC Business Name Registration (if you’re using a name other than your own for a sole proprietorship or partnership). You’ll also consider GST/HST Registration if your revenue meets the threshold or you plan to bill clients with tax, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you hire employees so you can withhold and remit taxes and contributions. These steps keep your finances orderly and compliant as you grow.
Next steps: set up your BN, apply for the BC Employment Agency Licence, arrange WorkSafeBC coverage, establish privacy practices, and connect with an accountant or business advisor to tailor registrations to Burnaby. With these fundamentals in place, you’ll move forward confidently and sustainably.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a temporary help 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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BC Employment Agency Licence RequiredLicence to operate an employment agency or talent agency in British Columbia under the Employment Standards Act Apply to Employment Standards Branch. Fee: $100. Online application available. One licence covers all locations (list all addresses). Renewal: submit 30 days before expiry. Exemption: agencies hiring for single employer only. Foreign worker recruiters need separate licence. Contact: Employment Standards at 1-833-236-3700.
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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.
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PIPEDA Compliance (Administrative Services) ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Administrative services handling personal information (employment agencies, credit bureaus, investigation services, document preparation) must comply with federal privacy law including consent, security, and breach notification. PIPEDA compliance for administrative services. Privacy policy. Consent management. Data minimization. Breach notification. Contact OPC: 1-800-282-1376.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your temporary help services:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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