New Ontario Business Registry

November 4, 2021

On October 19, 2021, Ontario introduced the new Ontario Business Registry to allow Ontario Corporations to complete many transactions online, including registering, incorporating and updating their information.

In order to access this new online registry system, a “company key” will be required. A company key is similar to the Personal Identification Number (PIN) used for banking and should be private and confidential information.

In order to obtain a company key, a request must be made online through Service Ontario. A company key is not issued automatically for Ontario Corporations that existed prior to October 19, 2021. The company key is either emailed, if an email was previously registered for the company, or mailed to the registered head office of the company.

Of particular importance and urgency is the requirement to have a company key to file the annual Ontario information return through the new Ontario Business Registry. In the past, this information return was filed with the annual corporate tax returns for Ontario Corporations.

As we need the company key for all our clients that are Ontario Corporations, we will be requesting the company key for all these clients. As previously noted, you will receive in the mail (or email if you were registered) a letter that will have the company key information.

Once received, we kindly ask that you please provide our office a copy of the letter containing the company key for our records. Please retain a copy for your records. Options to provide us a copy of the company key letter:

Drop it off at reception
Mail it to our office
Email it to admin@w-u.on.ca

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact your Ward & Uptigrove advisor.

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Southwestern Ontario's Top Employers Award

Southwestern Ontario's Top Employer Award Winner

February 5, 2025

We are th rilled to announce Ward & Uptigrove was selected as a recipient of the Southwestern Ontario's Top Employers Award for 2025. The award is based on the following criteria: 1. Workplace, 2. Work Atmosphere and Social, 3. Health, Financial and Family Benefits, 4. Vacation and Time-Off, 5. Employee Communications, 6. Performance Management, 7. Training and Skills Development, 8. and Community Involvement! Here are some of the reasons why Ward & Uptigrove was selected as one of Southwestern Ontario's Top Employers (2025): Ward & Uptigrove increased its full-time workforce in Canada by over 13 per cent in the past year and lets everyone benefit in the company's success with profit-sharing -- the company also offers generous referral bonuses of up to $5,000 per successful candidate as an incentive for employees to recruit friends Ward & Uptigrove hosts three major social events each year, giving employees the opportunity to unwind and connect with food, beverage and entertainment covered by the firm's partners -- events include a post-tax season party (employees plus a guest), a fall golf tournament, and an annual holiday celebration Ward & Uptigrove matches employee donations in kind, and encourages them to lend a helping hand in the community with a paid day off to volunteer Emily MacRobbie, human resources manager at Ward & Uptigrove, says clients appreciate the close connections and sense of care their small-town environment fosters. “We’re big enough to attract and retain some of the best and brightest minds in the industry, while simultaneously being small enough that staff and clients are known on a more personal level,” says MacRobbie. “Employees really appreciate the flexibility the firm offers, such as work location (in office or hybrid) and hours of work arrangements. We keep a pulse on what’s happening and make sure we remain competitive with things like paid time off and flexible health benefits.” To learn more about career opportunities at Ward & Uptigrove visit www.wardanduptigrove.com/careers