E-Business Info-Guide

The following document was prepared by the Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC), a single point of access to information on federal and provincial government programs, services and regulations.

In this document you will find information to help you understand what E-Commerce is, how it could affect your business, how existing regulations also apply to E-Commerce transactions, and what government programs and services can help your business take advantage of E-Commerce.  Many of your questions will be answered in this Info-Guide; however, the list of resources given here is by no means exhaustive. 

Need more information?

Click: Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre
Call: 1-800-567-2345
Visit: The Regional Access Program Location Index for a listing of offices in Ontario.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. What is Electronic Commerce?
2. Programs and Services for E-Business
3. Financing
4. Regulations
5. Taxation
6. Resources and Web sites of interest

Electronic Commerce is any commercial activity, such as the buying and selling of goods and services, conducted over electronic networks (e.g. local phone lines, high-speed digital cable, etc.) that link electronic devices (e.g. fax machines, computers). E-Commerce includes the following activities:

The "open" structure of the Internet and its affordability has opened up networking to everyone with a computer and Internet access. Once connected, your business could make buying and selling goods and services easier for your customers. Your business could stay in touch with your customers, your suppliers, and your employees (in the same office or on the other side of the world) more efficiently. Your business could also find and pursue opportunities more quickly by connecting your bank accounts, your credit information services, your sources of market information, etc.

For further information:
see the document The Internet - A Tool for Business.

How can businesses benefit from Electronic Commerce?

Electronic Commerce can benefit all types of businesses; it is not limited to technology-related products and services. Companies in every field are doing business online. Networking through Electronic Commerce can be applied to any facet of a company's operations, including marketing and sales, purchasing and logistics, production, design and engineering. The most effective use of Electronic Commerce is when several of these functions are combined.

Electronic Commerce can help your business:

• Cut costs and transaction times.
• Cut costs and save time by improving internal functions and internal supply chain management -- an Intranet (a private network inside an organization) can minimize the number of physical meetings, facilitate information sharing, increase speed and consistency of information, and be used to coordinate internal company operations, such as product design, production, inventory control, and shipping.
• Streamline external supply chain management -- an Extranet (connecting two or more Intranets) can be used to coordinate and to automate your business operations with outside partners, suppliers, distributors, customers, etc., such as order taking, supply-chain management, logistics, billings, feedback, etc.
• Promote, market and sell around the world and around the clock with a Web site -- Web sites can be designed to inform visitors (existing and potential customers) about your business activities and keep them informed about new products, services, and ongoing developments; to invite customer questions and input; and to solicit market research information from visitors.
• Reduce the costs and increase the speed of customer support, customer communication, and relationship management -- using E-mail or online collaboration, instead of telephone, mail, etc. Mine information, conduct competitive intelligence, or network with other business owners.
• Compete globally with your Web site against companies of all sizes -- without setting up offices in other countries. However, it is important to remember that when you move into a foreign market, whether you use E-Commerce or more traditional methods, you must be careful to comply with all applicable export and import requirements.

For further information:
see the document Exporting - Preparing for World Markets Info-Guide

What is the Internet and the World Wide Web?

The Internet is a global computer network connecting and sharing information through a common set of data protocols. It allows computers attached to networks to communicate regardless of manufacturer or brand, architecture, operating system or location. Along with open communication, this network is also efficient, and is able to carry voice, data and video transmissions over one infrastructure. The Internet was developed primarily for data transmission, but telephony (voice transmission) and video transmission usage is growing.

The most popular interface to the Internet is the World Wide Web. The World Wide Web links Web sites and documents throughout the Internet. Using a web browser (e.g. Netscape Navigator, Microsoft Internet Explorer, etc.), anyone with a computer, modem and Internet access can easily search and retrieve information from millions of web servers around the world.

How do I get my computer connected to the Internet?

Get in touch with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Through your ISP, you will be able to access the Internet either with a lower-cost "dial-up" connection or a higher-cost "dedicated" connection. The ISP server delivers, in effect, the Internet dial tone. When looking for an ISP to connect your business to the Internet, consider what different ISP's charge for access time, reliability (e.g. no busy signals or interruptions in connection), the speed of data transmission and the technical and other services they offer.

What is the entry price to get connected to the Internet?

At first, the costs to get on the Internet can seem intimidating, but compared with what you can accomplish in the areas of marketing and retailing on the Internet versus in the traditional commercial world, it can be a very cost-effective solution. Also, the potential Internet market is exponentially larger than any local market. To get started, you will need a modem-equipped computer ($1,000-$5,000) and access to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider ($10-$40 a month). These costs are estimates only, since costs can vary significantly, as computer prices continue to decrease, and as new access technologies become accessible and affordable (e.g. cable access).

If you want to set up a Web site for your business, consider hiring a professional to design it for you. The costs can vary significantly whether you want a simple Web site or a very complex Web site. Once you have a site, you will want to register the domain (e.g. your-business-name.com). The cost of registration may vary, depending on your choice of domain extension (e.g. .com, .ca., .org, .net...). Registering your domain on the Internet is like registering your company and company name. There are also maintenance costs to consider in order to keep the site up to date and running smoothly, which can vary depending on the scope and size of the site.

For further information:
visit these Web sites:

InterNIC
http://www.internic.net/
The InterNIC website was created to provide current public information on Internet domain registration services.

Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
http://www.icann.org
The ICANN is responsible for coordinating the Domain Name System to make sure that all Internet names and domain numbers are unique as well as ensuring that all internet users find valid addresses.

Canadian Internet Registration Authority
http://www.cira.ca
The CIRA is a non-profit corporation that administrates all registration of "dot-ca" domain addresses for Canadian organizations as well as other information on registering a domain name or number in Canada.

What is a domain name?

A domain name is a unique alphanumeric address used to identify and locate a particular computer on the Internet. It is used for Web pages and e-mail addresses. Domain names allow Internet users to type in an easy-to-remember name, such as strategis.gc.ca, which is then translated by the Domain Name System (DNS) into numerical addresses (Internet Protocol numbers) such as 192.197.183.15. The DNS allows ordinary Internet Users to find Web sites and send e-mail without having to memorize the numerical addresses.

A registry is a regional organization or entity that is responsible for assigning domain names and Internet addresses. Each country manages domain names through a certain company or organization, with the responsibility to record and update domain names, as well as the information associated with them, on a root server. A registry is usually under contract from its respective government to control domain name registration.

A registrar is an organization or company that is authorized by the government or by ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) to provide registration services for domain names.

A registrant is the individual or organization in whose name a domain name is registered.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Resources for Registrars
http://www.icann.org/registrars/

What are the requirements for registering a .ca or prov.ca?

Registrants who wish to register a .ca or prov.ca must fulfill CIRA's Canadian presence requirements.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
CIRA Document Listings
http://cira.ca/en/officials.html

What is hosting and virtual hosting?

A hosting service provider (HSP) or application service provider (ASP) are third party entities that manage and distribute software-based services and solutions to customers across a wide area network from a central data centre. They provide the housing, servicing and maintaining of files for Web sites. When looking for a carrier to host your Web site some features to consider are the amount of storage space, bandwidth, number of e-mail accounts, transfer limit, technical support, etc.

There are many different Web hosting packages available online and prices can range from $15 to $100 a month. When deciding on a Web hosting package, evaluate your individual business needs prior to purchasing. As your business needs change you can update your package accordingly.

Virtual hosting allows a business to have its own virtual server. This virtual server gives the appearance that a company controls their own server and that server is entirely dedicated to that business site. Prices for virtual hosting packages are significantly higher than standard hosting packages and range from $200 to $1000 a month.

What is a digital signature?

A digital signature is a convenient and secure way of "signing" electronic documents. When a document is digitally "signed", its integrity and authenticity can be verified, as can the identity of the signer. Digital signatures provide a secure form of transacting electronically: they are virtually impossible to forge or copy. Digital signatures are based on mathematical theory and the use of algorithms. A digital signature is a complicated concept, but its application is relatively simple and straightforward. Your software does all the work, while you (the user) simply select the signature option in the software. Digital signatures are particularly important if you want to make the electronic transaction as binding as possible.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Information and Communication Technologies
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inict-tic.nsf/en/h_it00000e.html

Privacy and Security

Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act
The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents (PIPED) Act sets out ground rules for how private sector organizations may collect use or disclose personal information in the course of commercial activities. As of January 1, 2002, the personal health information collected, used or disclosed by these organizations is also covered.

For further information:
please call 1-800-282-1376
visit these Web sites:
A Guide for Businesses and Organizations
http://www.privcom.gc.ca/information/guide_e.asp
Information and Privacy Commissioner
http://www.ipc.on.ca/
see the document Protection of Personal Information - Your Responsibilities

The Consumer Protection Act
The Act sets guidelines on how Internet-based business is conducted. It covers the way individuals do business with companies, but not transactions among businesses. The legislation was designed to protect consumers as well as to encourage e-business.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
The Consumer Protection Act
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/02c30_e.htm

The type of security you will need for your Web site depends on what you intend to use it for. Once you determine its use, you can identify the types of threats you will need to protect yourself against. For example, if you will be selling online and using credit cards, you will need to protect the credit card information from being intercepted, both during the transaction and when it is stored on the server. Similarly, if you have confidential customer information, you will also want to ensure that this information is not accessible to unauthorized parties. It is useful to note, however, that in many instances, doing online credit card sales can be more secure than in a traditional environment, since the number of people with access to the confidential information can be more easily controlled.

There are a number of security options, ranging from firewall software, to secure servers, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Secure Electronic Transaction (SET) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). Your ISP and/or web developer should be able to provide you with more information on these solutions, and whether they are right for your site. The most effective and efficient solution for small to mid-size companies may be to use a Commerce Server Provider (CSPs). CSPs lease their services to individual retailers for a fraction of the cost of buying a complete E-Commerce solution.

Can people steal my confidential company information or gain access to customer credit card numbers over the Internet?
Solutions to satisfy your privacy and security requirements exist today. Software can be used to encrypt transactions and block unwanted messages. Your ISP and/or web developer should be able to provide you with information on various software packages, based on your security needs. However, some businesses are waiting to go online until more information and technology is available in this area.

What is encryption and decryption?
Encryption is the translation of data into a form, called cipher text, that cannot be easily understood by unauthorized people. Decryption is the process of converting encrypted data back into its original form, so it can be understood. Un-encrypted data is called plain text.

Will private information be at risk?
You can install software to help protect the privacy of your business and your clients. In addition, the federal government is acting to protect personal information. The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act establishes principles governing the collection, use and disclosure of personal information. In particular, it provides that businesses must obtain the consent of consumers to use their personal information and gives consumers access to their personal information and to simple and effective redress procedures.

Compliance with the legislation is overseen by the federal Privacy Commissioner (please see http://www.privcom.gc.ca ). The Commissioner's role includes receiving complaints concerning contravention of the principles, carrying out investigations and audits, and dispute resolution. Unresolved disputes regarding certain matters can be taken to the Federal Court for final resolution. The Commissioner also has extensive powers to do research and public education, which is vital if consumers are to learn how to protect their privacy.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents (PIPED) Act
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/P-8.6/
see the document Protection of Personal Information - Your Responsibilities

Online E-security and Privacy Guide
This guide was designed to help SMEs understand e-security and privacy risks and what they can do to manage them. Recognizing that SMEs are at different stages of e-business development, the product has been organized so that you can determine what you should be doing on the security and privacy front in relation to your level of e-business activity.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Online E-security and Privacy Guide
http://www.privacyguide.cebi.ca

2. Programs and Services for E-Business

Student Connections - Industry Canada

Student Connections introduces Canadian businesses to the power of the Internet as a business tool, including E-Commerce applications. The program also provides Canadian business with customized training on how they can use today's technologies to their advantage. Services include internet training and E-Commerce assistance on how to effectively integrate E-Commerce into their daily activities.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Student Connections
http://www.scp-ebb.com
see the document Student Connections

SourceCAN

SourceCAN was developed by the federal government as a resource meant to educate, prepare and place Canadian business within the global marketplace. SourceCAN is a Collaborative Partnership Arrangement between Industry Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation. This comprehensive portal web site matches Canadian products and services with thousands of business opportunities posted daily by both domestic and foreign corporations and governments. Through national and international tender feeding systems, Canadian companies can source bids, follow new business leads and post opportunities, all within a secure online trading environment.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
SourceCAN
https://www.sourcecan.com/E/index.cfm
see the document SourceCAN

Retail Interactive

Retail Interactive is an on-line resource centre created by The Retail Council of Canada and Industry Canada to provide Canadian retailers with the most current information, tools, and publications on e-commerce in the retail industry. The e-retailer profile section offers practices, success stories and information for retailers in the context of global best practices.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Retail Trade: Electronic Business
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inretra-comde.nsf/en/h_qn00005e.html

BDC Consulting Group - E-business/E-strat

Become an effective e-business with the support of an experienced BDC advisor. Evaluate e-business relevancy, readiness, potential, and implementation strategies. Re-align your production, supply chain, processes, and customer relations with Internet technology.

see the document Consulting Group

Online Small Business Workshop

The Online Small Business Workshop (OSBW) is a Web-based workshop designed to provide you with techniques for developing your business idea, starting a new venture and improving your existing small business. It is organized into six sessions, including one on the basics of setting up an E-business.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Online Small Business Workshop
http://www.cbsc.org/osbw

ebiz.enable

Ebiz.enable is an E-Business portal designed specifically to guide businesses through the issues and options encountered in implementing E-Business strategies. It is a comprehensive online resource that allows you to explore the questions, answers and solutions relevant to your company and its success in the global online environment.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
ebiz.enable
http://strategis.gc.ca/ebizenable

Electronic Commerce in Canada is the virtual focal point for information on Canada's Electronic Commerce Strategy, including the Canadian E-Business Opportunities Roundtable (e-Team Canada). The site includes a wide variety of information and links.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Electronic Commerce in Canada
http://ecom.ic.gc.ca/english/index.html

Strategis - Information and Communications Technologies

Business sector information and links to suppliers that can help E-Commerce enable your business.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Information and Communications Technologies
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inict-tic.nsf/en/h_it00000e.html

Strategis - E-Commerce in Service Industries

Links to Industry Canada's comprehensive collection of E-Commerce information.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
E-Commerce in Service Industries
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inecom-come.nsf/en/h_qy00000e.html

Canada-Alberta Business Service Centre (The Business Link) - E-Future Centre

The E-Future Centre's 26 E-Business Info-Guides were created for owners and managers of small to medium-sized companies. The Guides are set up sequentially in terms of E-Business adoption.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
E-Future Centre
http://www.e-future.ca/alberta/ebusiness/infoguides.asp .

Using E-Commerce to do Business with the Government

MERX - The Electronic Tendering Service
MERX is an Internet-based electronic tendering system that advertises government contracting
opportunities to potential bidders across Canada.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
MERX - The Electronic Tendering Service
http://www.merx.com/Services/AboutMERX/English/MK_SiteMap.asp
see the document MERX: Electronic Tendering Service

3. Financing

Access to capital is one of the most challenging aspects of business ownership for any entrepreneurs, there are a variety of programs and organizations that can help business owners secure start up financing as well as development capital. Below are some of the programs and services available to entrepreneurs in Ontario.

Canada Small Business Financing Program

Business Financing Program can assist new and existing small businesses with annual gross revenues not exceeding $5 million (excluding farming and charitable or religious enterprises) in obtaining term loans and capital leases of up to $250 000 to help finance fixed asset needs.

For further information :
please call (613) 954-5540
visit the Web site:
Canada Small Business Financing Program
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/incsbfp-pfpec.nsf/en/Home
see the document:
Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

The BDC is Canada's bank for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), delivering financial and management services, with a particular focus on the emerging and exporting sectors of the economy. The BDC has a number of financing programs for a variety of business needs.

For further information:
please call 1-877-232-2269
visit the Web site:
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
http://www.bdc.ca

Ontario Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs)

Through federal support, CFDCs administer local investment funds to help finance new or existing small businesses for start-up, expansion or stabilization plans that help maintain or create jobs. Repayable financing of up to $150,000 on commercial terms through loans, loan guarantees or equity investments is available when financing from other sources is insufficient. All CFDC financing decisions are made at the community level by the local boards of directors.

The CFDCs provide important services to businesses that include:

• business advice, counselling, information and referrals;
• help with business plans;
• export support;
• entrepreneurial training; and
• information on relevant federal and provincial programs and services.

For further information:
please call 1-800-567-2345 or (416) 775-3456
visit the Web site:
Ontario Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs)
http://ontcfdc.com

Micro-credit Lenders

"Micro-credit" can be defined as small loans made to individuals to undertake self-employment or to start very small businesses. This type of financing may be provided through a number of different sources: independent non-profit organizations, community economic development programs, commercial financial institutions, etc. Usually, a micro-credit lender serves a particular geographic area or community, or a particular group. The loans are typically under $5,000 and for entrepreneurs who have not been able to secure financing through traditional lenders. Many micro-credit lenders offer some form of technical assistance such as business training, mentoring, peer exchanges and/or networking opportunities in conjunction with their loans.

For further information:
please call 1-800-567-2345 or (416) 775-3456
see the document Sources of Micro-credit Financing

4. Regulations

For regulatory or legal questions, it may be useful to contact a lawyer through the Law Society of Upper Canada's Lawyer Referral Service.

For further information:
please call (416) 947-3300 or 1-800-668-7380
visit the Web site:
Law Society of Upper Canada
http://www.lsuc.on.ca
see the document Selecting Professional Services

Businesses on the Internet/Traditional Businesses

In general, all existing laws that apply to traditional commerce apply equally in an electronic environment (for example, laws governing business formation, business name registration, taxation, consumer protection, deceptive advertising, importing/exporting, product safety, product standards, criminal code, inter-provincial trade treaties, intellectual property and liability, etc.). A company must comply with the law of any jurisdiction where it is deemed to be "carrying on business", which is particularly important for businesses using E-Commerce to compete globally.

For further information:
see the documents:
Business Start-Up Info-Guide
Taxation Info-Guide

Depending on what your product or service you are supplying, different regulations will apply. Below are some basic governmental regulations that apply to all businesses in Ontario.

Ontario Human Rights Code

All employers in Ontario must adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code. The code states that all Employment decisions should be based on the applicant's ability to do the job and not on factors that are unrelated to the job.

For further information:
please call 1-800-387-9080
visit the Web site:
Hiring : Your rights and responsibilities
http://www.ohrc.on.ca/english/guides/hiring.shtml

Employment Standards Act

The Employment Standards Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Labour is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Employment Standards Act, which provides for minimum terms and conditions of employment in most industries.

For further information:
please call (416) 326-7160 or 1-800-531-5551
visit these Web sites:
What You Should Know About The Ontario Employment Standards Act
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/poster_text.html
Employment Standards Claim
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/claim/index.html
Employee Self Help Kit
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/selfhelp/index.html
see the documents:
Employment Regulations Info-Guide
Employment and Training Assistance Programs Info-Guide
Are You an Employee or Self-Employed?

Related Legislation:

Employment Standards Act
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/00e41_e.htm

5. Taxation

Dealing with Business Taxes

All businesses must be aware of the various taxes that may apply to their product or service. Depending on the type and location of products or services being offered, federal, provincial and/or municipal business taxes may apply.

For further information:
visit these Web sites:
Provincial Tax Forms and Publications
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_158_1.html
Small Business Tax Help
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_160_1.html
CRA Business Tax Web Page
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/business/menu-e.html
see the document Taxation Info-Guide

Income Tax Information

Business owners must be aware of the requirements of Income tax that may apply to their product or service. There are different tax implications for incorporated and non-incorporated businesses. For information specific to your organization you should consult an accountant or financial professional.

For further information:
please call 1-800-959-5525
visit these Web sites:
Ontario Income Tax
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_2447_1.html
Canada Revenue Taxes Menu
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/business/menu-e.html
see the document Taxation Info-Guide

Below are links to publications that cover some of the general tax requirements for business owners in Ontario.

Ontario Small Business Guide
This booklet will guide you through various aspects of Retail Sales Tax, Corporations Tax and Employer Health Tax. This booklet also answers some of the frequently asked questions of small business owners regarding tax obligations.
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_24414_1.html

Employer Health Tax (EHT)
Describes the main features of the EHT, including taxpayer rights and responsibilities under the Employer Health Tax Act.
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_2697_1.html

For further information:
see the document Employer Health Tax - EHT

Retention/Destruction of Books & Records

Explains the retention period required for Ontario tax purposes, before books and records can be destroyed.
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_20001_1.html

Voluntary Disclosure

Explains what voluntary compliance is and the basic principles under which Ontario's tax system operates
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_19999_1.html

Exporting and Export Permits

The application of export rules for goods and services, including downloadable digitized goods, is the same in the electronic world.

For further information:
see the documents:
Exporting - Preparing for World Markets Info-Guide
Exporting - Entering World Markets Info-Guide

If you currently need an export permit to sell your product overseas, you will need one to sell it over the Internet to people in foreign countries. The issuance of Export Permits is administered by the Export Controls Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. The Division provides assistance to exporters in determining if export permits are required. It also publishes brochures and Notices to Exporters.

For further information:
please call (613) 996-2387
visit the Web site:
Export and Import Controls
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/eicb/menu-en.asp

Consumer Protection

Marketing Practices and Advertising
Under the Competition Act, it is a criminal offense to engage in certain advertising and marketing practices. The Competition Act defines which advertising and marketing practices are illegal in Canada. The Act is enforced by the Competition Bureau, and is applicable in an electronic environment.

For further information:
please call 1-800-348-5358
visit the Web site:
Competition Bureau
http://competition.ic.gc.ca
see the document Competition Act - Misleading Advertising and Deceptive Marketing Practices

The Code contains information on the following:

• Information Provision;
• Language;
• Contract Formation and Fulfilment;
• Online Privacy;
• Security of Payment and Personal Information;
• Complaint Handling and Dispute Resolution;
• Unsolicited E-mail;
• Communications with Children.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Canadian Code of Practice for Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce
http://cmcweb.ca/epic/internet/incmc-cmc.nsf/vwapj/EcommPrinciples2003_e.pdf/$FILE/EcommPrinciples2003_e.pdf

6. Resources and Web Sites of Interest

Publications

Also consult Internet business publications and guides, such as Cyberlaw Canada from the Self-Counsel Press, or The Online Rules of Successful Companies: The Fool-Proof Guide to Building Profits from Prentice Hall Canada. For other resources available, please visit your local library or book dealer.
Articles of Interest

"Web activities not immune to liability" in Computing Canada by Robert Wisner (volume 25, issue 22, June 4, 1999, p.11). Plesman Publications Ltd.: Toronto

"Electronic Commerce: It's all a matter of trust" in Computing Canada by David Woolford (volume 25, issue 18, May 7, 1999, p.13). Plesman Publications Ltd.: Toronto

"There are rules for the Internet - but whose?" in Computing Canada by Matthew Friedman (volume 25, issue 25, June 25, 1999, p.23). Plesman Publications Ltd.: Toronto

"Don't Get Caught in the Web: Legal Protection in Cyberspace" in CanadaOne Magazine by Ron Clark (July 1999). Accessible on the Internet at the following address: http://www.canadaone.com/ezine/july99/legal_online.html .

Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) - E-com Legal Guide
http://www.bakerinfo.com/apec
This practical introductory legal guide is intended for use by both government and industry to understand their rights, responsibilities and exposure (or risk) when using the Internet and other electronic communications technologies to conduct business in the APEC economies. It is especially designed to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Although the site specializes in APEC countries, there is a section on the European Union, mainly for comparative purposes.

Canadian Web Sites of Interest

The E-volution of E-commerce
http://www.cba.ca/en/viewPub.asp?fl=3&sl=142&tl=&docid=38
Published by the CBA, E-commerce Comes of Age focuses on buying and selling over the Internet, along with ongoing issues that will impact the future of electronic commerce.

eBizBlog
http://www.ebizblog.ca/

Electronic Commerce Council of Canada (ECCC)
http://www.eccc.org/login.asp
The ECCC is a not-for-profit voluntary standards organization that works with multiple industry sectors to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their respective supply chains. The ECCC has been established by Canadian industry to facilitate Electronic Commerce initiatives and to ensure the competitiveness of Canadian companies in a global electronic trading environment.

Retail Council of Canada
The Retail Council of Canada provides advocacy, research, education and services that enhance opportunities for retail success, and increase awareness of retail's contribution to the communities and customers it serves.

For further information:
Please call (416) 922-6678 or 1-888-373-8245
visit the Web site
Retail Council of Canada
http://www.retailcouncil.ca
see the document Retail Council of Canada

Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting - Networking the World: E-Business for Exporters
http://exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/site.nsf/en/es02161.html

E-commerce Overview Series: Plastics Industry and Plastics Processing Sector in Canada
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inecom-come.nsf/en/qy00061e.html
Learn about how firms in Canada's plastics industry and plastics processing sector are using the Internet and e-commerce to improve their business processes.

International Web Sites of Interest

BusinessWeek Online - e.biz
http://www.businessweek.com/ebiz/index.html
An online journal focusing on E-Commerce.

E-Commerce Times
http://www.ecommercetimes.com/
A comprehensive source for international E-Commerce news, including legal issues.

Penton Media, Inc. - Internet.com - Electronic Commerce Guide
http://ecommerce.internet.com
A broad range of news articles, product reviews, tools, and links related to E-Commerce.

CommerceNet - eCommerce Resources
http://www.commerce.net/
A global non-profit organization with a mission to promote and advance interoperable Electronic Commerce to support emerging communities of commerce.

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) - Electronic Commerce
http://www.oecd.org/subject/e_commerce
A site providing documentation and background information on Electronic Commerce initiatives in the OECD countries.

US Federal Trade Commission - Consumer Protection - E-Commerce & the Internet
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menu-internet.htm
Business and consumer education on avoiding potential hazards buying and selling on the Internet.

• e-business Trade Roadmap
• Important Notices
• Business Guides Available at the COBSC
• E-Business

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

Links Policy
Some of the hypertext links lead to non-federal government sites which are not subject to the Official Languages Act and the material is available in one language only.