Step 1: Register a business name by obtaining approval and consent

1. Submit a request for approval of the business name at BC Registries and Online Services
2. Apply to CMTBC for consent to use the business name (PDF)

When you request approval for a business name, consider the following criteria:

• The proposed business name must include a descriptive element such as “massage therapy” or “massage therapist” to indicate the nature of the company’s business. You may also use the titles “registered massage therapist” or “registered massage practitioner”.
• The proposed name cannot be identical to or closely resemble the name of another corporation that holds a valid permit.
• The proposed name must not be offensive or objectionable on public grounds.
• You are also encouraged to review “Advertising and Other Marketing Activities” in the Part F.1 of the Bylaws.

If the business name is acceptable, the BC Corporate Registry will issue a name approval “Results of Name Request” document to you. The business name will be reserved for 56 days during which time you must apply to CMTBC for consent to use the business name approved by BC Registry Services.

To apply to CMTBC for consent to use a business name, complete the Application for Consent to Use Business Name form (PDF). Submit the completed form and the “Results of Name Request” document provided to you by the BC Registry Services to [email protected].

Upon receipt of your application, CMTBC will review the business name according to the criteria set out above.  If consent is granted, CMTBC will notify BC Registry Services directly, with a copy to you at the email address on record. You are reminded to keep your contact information in the Personal Contact Information area of the Registrant Portal up to date at all times.

Once CMTBC has provided consent:

• If the business is a partnership or proprietorship, no further steps are required.
• If the business is a company, you must apply for a health profession corporation permit.

Step 2: Incorporate and register the corporation with the Corporate Registry of the BC Registry Services

You may incorporate your business of providing massage therapy services to the public with the BC Corporate Registry. Register the corporation through Corporate Online (click on “File an Incorporation Application”).

Registrants must:

• Structure their corporation in accordance with all the conditions/requirements set out in Part 4 of the Act and Part G of the Bylaws.
• Incorporate your business company before the name reservation expires (within 56 days of receiving the Results of Name Request from the BC Corporate Registry).

Step 3: Apply to CMTBC for a health profession corporation permit

In determining whether to issue an HPC permit, CMTBC will assess whether the company has met the conditions/requirements set out in the Act and Part G of the Bylaws.

Conditions and requirements for an HPC permit:

1. the company is a company within the meaning of the Business Corporations Act and is in good standing under that Act;
2. all voting shares of the company are legally and beneficially owned by registrants of the college, or companies as defined in the Business Corporations Act, all the voting shares of which are legally and beneficially owned by registrants of the college;
3. all the non-voting shares are legally and beneficially owned by persons who are registrants of the college, or who are the spouse, children, parents, siblings or other relatives of a shareholding registrant of the college, or who reside with a shareholding registrant of the college;
4. all the directors and officers of the company are registrants of the college;
5. all the persons who will be providing the services on behalf of the company are registrants of the college.

To apply for a Health Profession Corporation permit, you must apply through the Registrant Portal under the menu item “Business and Corporations.” Select “Apply for HPC Permit.” You will be prompted to upload the following documents:

1. Certificate of Incorporation issued by BC Registry Services
2. Certificate of Solicitor (PDF) The Certificate of Solicitor must confirm that the corporation meets all requirements of the Act and these bylaws, and in particular that:
   
   • the articles of the corporation provide for the disposition of the shares of a shareholder who dies, ceases to be a Registrant or who ceases to be qualified to practice massage therapy in a way that ensures ongoing compliance with the requirements of section 43 of the Act, and
   • all voting shares of the corporation are legally or beneficially held by Registrants, and
   • identify a “designated person” as defined in section 80.1.

Your application will be processed, and you will be notified if CMTBC accepts your application for an HPC permit. If you are approved for an HPC permit, you will be able to download your permit on the Registrant Portal.

Please remember to renew your permit each year.  A health profession corporation’s designated person must promptly advise the Registrar in writing of any change to the information that was contained in the permit application.

Any further questions can be emailed to [email protected].