DOING BUSINESS IN ALBERTA AND WESTERN CANADA ITALIAN PERSPECTIVE CELSO A. A. BOSCARIOL PRESIDENT ITALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN CANADA WEST ITALIAN BUSINESS MISSION TO CANADA 17 October, 2013 CALGARY
ITALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN CANADA - WEST Mandate to facilitate trade & investment between Italy & Canada with a special focus on Western Canada Active since 1992 with offices in Vancouver, Calgary and Milan Generally recognized as one of the most dynamic & respected bilateral business organizations in Western Canada Effectively covers Western Canada and the US Pacific Northwest Awarded tenders and grants by the European Commission to promote the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada & the EU
OVERVIEW OF WESTERN CANADA Over 6.8 million square kilometers - almost 70% of Canada s land area Approximately 11 million people - roughly 30% of Canada s population In 2012, accounted for almost 37% of Canada s real GDP
ALBERTA INVESTMENT FACTS Alberta s international exports: Set to exceed $ CAD 100 billion in 2013 Forecasted growth of 6% in 2013 Third largest petroleum reserves in the world One of the most competitive business tax environments in North America Highly efficient & competitive transportation and logistics system
SUCCESS FACTORS FOR ITALIAN COMPANIES IN ALBERTA Italian companies recognized as reputable and reliable partners Viable business networks in Western Canada for new Italian companies to tap into Large Italian-Canadian communities in Western Canada - 143,160 in B.C. and 82,015 in Alberta Western Canada provinces very open to Italian companies, creating a significantly businessfriendly environment Skilled Labour Force Excellent Public Infrastructure High Quality of Life
INTERNATIONAL TRADE & INVESTMENT Member of the WTO NAFTA eliminated trade barriers among Canada, Mexico and the United States of America Customs duties completely eliminated Negotiations with European Union to conclude Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA)
FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN CANADA For WTO investors: investment threshold = $344 million CAD except for cultural businesses such as media and publishing in areas concerning Canada's cultural heritage or identity
BUSINESS ENTITIES Different entities for carrying on business in Alberta: Corporation Limited Partnership Partnership Trust Co-ownership Joint Venture Unlimited Liability Company
KEY ATTRIBUTES OF CANADIAN CORPORATE LEGISLATION 25% of directors of federally incorporated corporations must be resident in Canada Minimum numbers of directors required is one Single shareholder corporations are permitted Can be a corporate shareholder Shareholder identity not a matter of public record (except in public companies)
EMPLOYMENT LAW Amongst the most progressive and protective in the world Governed federally and provincially: depends on jurisdiction of the employment activity Employment laws cover: employment standards labor relations human rights occupational health and safety right to privacy employment benefits
IMMIGRATION: INTRACOMPANY TRANSFEREES & FOREIGN WORKERS Multinational or other foreign companies carrying on business in Canada: Transfer: 1. executives 2. senior manager of employees 3. workers with specialized knowledge Work in Canada on a temporary basis, subject to obtaining work permit
CANADIAN PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP (P3) MARKET Need for a new improved infrastructure in areas: water wastewater public transit transportation, core national highways, local roads green energy Large infrastructure projects, over $ 50 million in funding move to PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP (P3) procurement New long-term infrastructure plan (announced in 2013 budget) committed over $70 billion in funding over a ten year period
CANADIAN PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP (P3) MARKET Benefits of Canadian P3: attractive and stable long-term investment maintenance of a steady presence in domestic market creating room for innovative solutions risk mitigation on both sides Canada seen as a good place for international P3 consortia to do business because of the high levels of provincial standardization Canadian P3 expertise becoming an in-demand export
SUCCESSFUL ITALIAN COMPANIES IN ALBERTA ENI Canada Holding Ltd., gas and oil Geosystem Canada Inc., natural resources New Holland Canada Spa, agricultural equipment SITIE Canada Ltd., components for industrial plants Saipem Canada Inc., oil and gas industry Scott Can Industries LTD, catalytic gas, infrared and electric heaters Tenaris Canada, production of pipes Galperti Canada Inc, agricultural machinery Valvitalia, valve sector Technip Canada LTD, engineering ENEL, electric utility (electricity and gas) SteelElectro, pipes manufacturing Pilosio, building structures CSI Impianti, engineering
Visit & Invest in Alberta Thank you Questions? CELSO A.A. BOSCARIOL Watson Goepel LLP, Business Lawyers Member of Lawyers Associated Worldwide cboscariol@watsongoepel.com 604-609-3060