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Business Regulations, Licences & Permits
All businesses in Toronto need to secure the proper licences, permits and inspections prior to opening or operating. The information below is intended to assist and determine the licensing and permit requirements needed to open and operate a business.
As of November 1, 2018, Municipal Licensing and Standards requires “Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Checks” for all applications and renewals. “Criminal Record Checks” will not be accepted.
Regulatory Requirements
Federal, provincial and municipal requirements vary for each business licence type. You can also search for specific regulations by business type（https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/new-businesses-startups/business-regulations/?accordion=business-specific-regulations）.
Regulatory Requirements
Business Registration – Businesses that operate under a name other than the owner’s need to register with Service Ontario. Business name registrations or renewals can be done in-person or online through the Ontario Business Registry.（https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-business-registry） Guidance on registration is available virtually or in-person at Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre offices（https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/new-businesses-startups/training-support-for-business-start-ups/）. Please note, business registrations are not currently performed by the Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre.
Zoning Requirements – For inquiries about zoning（https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/zoning-by-law-preliminary-zoning-reviews/zoning-by-law-569-2013-2/） or uses on a specific property, please visit the nearest Toronto Building Customer Service counter（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/building-construction/apply-for-a-building-permit/toronto-building-contact-us/） for information.
Sign Permits – Applications（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/building-construction/sign-permits-information/） can be done in person and online.
Building and Demolition Permit – A permit（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/building-construction/） to begin construction, demolition, addition or renovation on your property.
Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) – Registration for HST（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html） is optional if you are earning less than $30,000 of sales revenues for the year. You may not charge HST to clients unless you are registered with Canada Revenue Agency.
All businesses serving food are required to comply with the Ontario Food Premises Regulation（https://www.ontario.ca/business/laws/regulation/900562） as well as Toronto's Licensing By-Law No. 545（https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/municode/1184_545.pdf）. Premises must receive a “PASS” status by Toronto Public Health (DineSafe ™（https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/food-safety/dinesafe/about-dinesafe/）) in order to operate.
Food Handlers Certification（https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/food-safety/food-handler-certification/） is required through your local public health unit for anyone who serves and handles food. While Toronto Public Health has currently suspended the program, you can find alternate authorized program providers for Food Handler Certification through the Ontario Ministry of Health website.（https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/enviro/）
Businesses that have performances, authorize performances or communicate music to the public, require a SOCAN licence（http://www.socan.com/）.
Businesses will not be issued or renewed a licence until all overdue bylaw fines are paid in full. You must provide proof that all fines have been paid in full in order to complete a new application or renew an existing licence.
Owners or operators of an adult videotape store or general videotape store are required to ensure that no adult videotape or container for an adult videotape is displayed in a manner that make them visible from the outside of the store. Note: Video stores no longer require a business licence from the City of Toronto.
The DineSafe name is an Official Mark trademarked by the City of Toronto.
Business Specific Regulations
For more information on regulatory requirements, type in your business type (e.g. restaurant, adult entertainment or daycare) in the search box below.
Business Type Municipal Requirements Provincial Requirements Federal Requirements
Accounting - Bookkeeper Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) requirements（https://www.fintrac-canafe.gc.ca/re-ed/accts-eng）
Acupuncture Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration
Membership Requirements（https://www.ctcmpao.on.ca/） Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Adult Daycare - People With Disabilities Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits
Food Handler Certification（https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/food-safety/food-handler-certification/）
Food Premises Inspection（https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/food-safety/food-safety-for-businesses/）
First Aid Training (CPR Level A)（https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/public-safety-alerts/training-first-aid-courses/） Business Registration
CVOR Certificate and Registration（https://www.ontario.ca/page/commercial-vehicle-operators-registration-cvor） Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Adult Entertainment Facilities / Exotic Club / Strip Club Municipal Operating Licences (Entertainment Establishment/Nightclub Licence（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/entertainment-establishment-nightclub/） )
Adult Entertainer (Dancer) Licence（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/adult-entertainment-club-manager-entertainer-dancer/adult-entertainment-club-entertainer-dancer/）
Eating or Drinking Establishment（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/restaurants-cafes-grocery-variety-and-retail-stores-selling-food/eating-or-drinking-establishment/） or Expanded Activity Eating or Drinking Establishment licence（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/expanded-activity-eating-or-drinking-establishment/） (if applicable)
Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits
Food Handler Certification（https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/food-safety/food-handler-certification/）
Food Premises Inspection（https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/food-safety/food-safety-for-businesses/） Business Registration
Liquor Licence（https://www.agco.ca/）
Smart Serve Certificate（https://smartserve.ca/） Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Musical Performance Rights Licences（http://www.socan.com/） (SOCAN)
Advertising and Promotion Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Canadian Code of Advertising Standards（https://adstandards.ca/）
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration
Membership Requirements（https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca） Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Environment and Climate Change Canada Permits（https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/corporate/transparency/acts-regulations/permits.html） (if applicable)
Alternative / Complimentary Health Care Municipal Operating Licence (Holistic Practitioner Licence（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/holistic-centre-and-practitioner-reikki-aromatherapy-or-massage-therapy/holistic-practitioner/）)
Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration
Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO) Licensing and Registration（https://www.fsrao.ca/licensing） (if applicable) Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Health Canada - Natural Health Products（https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/natural-non-prescription/regulation.html）
Health Canada – Health Products and Food（http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/）
Animal Grooming / Daycare Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration
Environmental Assessment（https://www.ontario.ca/business/laws/statute/90e18） (if animals are on the premises) Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Animal Shelter - Boarding School Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration
Environmental Assessment（https://www.ontario.ca/business/laws/statute/90e18） (if animals are on the premises) Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Appliances / Electronics Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration
Trade Certification（https://www.oacett.org/） (non-mandatory) Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Arborist / Landscaping Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits
Landscape/Tree Cut Permits（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/building-construction/tree-ravine-protection-permits/） Business Registration
Workplace Safety & Insurance Board（https://www.wsib.ca/en）
Electrical Safety Authority（https://www.esasafe.com/） (required when installing outdoor lighting that exceeds plugging into a receptacle) Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Arcades - Pay to Play Places of Amusements Municipal Operating Licence (Amusement Establishment Licence（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/amusement-establishment/）)
Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Architectural Practice Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Membership Requirements（http://www.oaa.on.ca/） Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Architectural Technologist - Licence Technologist Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration
Membership Requirements（http://www.oaa.on.ca/）
Building Code Identification Number（https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontarios-building-code） Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Aromatherapy Clinic Municipal Operating Licence (Holistic Centre & Practitioner Licences（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/holistic-centre-and-practitioner-reikki-aromatherapy-or-massage-therapy/holistic-practitioner/）)
Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Art Gallery Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Music Sound Licence（https://www.resound.ca/contact/）
Arts and Crafts Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Auctions / Auctioneer Municipal Operating Licence (Auctioneer Licence（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/auctioneer/）)
Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Automotive Repair Shop Municipal Operating Licence (Automotive Repair Shop Licences（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/body-shop-car-wash-gas-station-car-dealership-or-public-garage/）)
Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration
Membership Requirements（https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca）
Environmental Requirements（https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-environment-and-climate-change） Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Environment and Climate Change Canada Permits（https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/corporate/transparency/acts-regulations/permits.html） (if applicable)
Auto Wrecking Municipal Operating Licence (Tow Truck Licences（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/tow-trucks/）)
Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration
Class C Garage Licence（https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-renew-or-replace-garage-licence）
OMVIC Licensing（https://www.omvic.on.ca/portal/） (if applicable) Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Home Health-Care Agency Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration
Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO) Licensing and Registration（https://www.fsrao.ca/licensing） (if applicable) Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Home Inspection Service Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Home Stay Agency Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Homeopathic Services Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Hot Dog / Food / Refreshment Cart Municipal Operating Licence (Food Trucks / Food Carts / Ice Cream Trucks Licence（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/food-trucks-food-carts-ice-cream-trucks/）)
Sidewalk Café Permit（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/sidewalk-cafe/sidewalk-cafe-permit/）
Food Handler Certification（https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/food-safety/food-handler-certification/）
Food Cart Inspection（http://www.toronto.ca/health/dinesafe）
Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Hotel Municipal Operating Licence (varies depending on hotel setup - may include Eating and Drinking Establishment Licence（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/restaurants-cafes-grocery-variety-and-retail-stores-selling-food/eating-or-drinking-establishment/） or Expanded Activity Eating or Drinking Establishment Licence（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/expanded-activity-eating-or-drinking-establishment/） | Smoke Shop Licence（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/smoke-shops-stores-that-sell-cigarscigarettes/） [if applicable] | Entertainment Establishment/Nightclub licence（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/entertainment-establishment-nightclub/） [if applicable])
Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits
Food Handler Certification（https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/food-safety/food-handler-certification/）
Food Premises Inspection（https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/food-safety/food-safety-for-businesses/）
Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/property-taxes-utilities/municipal-accommodation-tax/hotel-providers/） Business Registration
Liquor Licence（https://www.agco.ca/）
Smart Serve Certificate（https://smartserve.ca/）
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)（https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/occupational-health-safety/workplace-hazardous-materials-information-system.html） Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Musical Performance Rights Licences（http://www.socan.com/）
Music Sound Licence（https://www.resound.ca/contact/）
Bar Municipal Operating Licence(s) (either Eating or Drinking Establishment（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/restaurants-cafes-grocery-variety-and-retail-stores-selling-food/eating-or-drinking-establishment/） or Expanded Activity Eating or Drinking Establishment licence（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/expanded-activity-eating-or-drinking-establishment/）; Entertainment Establishment/Nightclub licence（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/entertainment-establishment-nightclub/） [if applicable])
Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits
Food Handler Certification（https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/food-safety/food-handler-certification/）
Food Premises Inspection（https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/food-safety/food-safety-for-businesses/） Business Registration
Liquor Licence（https://www.agco.ca/）
Smart Serve Certificate（https://smartserve.ca/）
Security Guard licence（https://www.ontario.ca/page/security-guard-or-private-investigator-licence-individuals） Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Musical Performance Rights Licences（http://www.socan.com/）
Music Sound Licence（https://www.resound.ca/contact/）
Boat Cleaning Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration
Workplace Safety & Insurance Board（https://www.wsib.ca/en） Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Environment and Climate Change Canada Permits（https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/corporate/transparency/acts-regulations/permits.html） (if applicable)
Calling Cards – Pre-Paid Long Distance Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Canoe / Sailboards Rental Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration
Safety Requirements（https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/marine.html） Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Car Dealerships – New & Used Municipal Operating Licence (Car Dealership Licences（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/body-shop-car-wash-gas-station-car-dealership-or-public-garage/） [required if performing automobile body repairs and running a used car dealership])
Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration
OMVIC Registration（https://www.omvic.on.ca/portal/DealersSalespersons.aspx） (Both dealers and salespeople) Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Music Sound Licence（https://www.resound.ca/contact/）
Car Rental Agency Municipal Operating Licence (Drive-Self Rental Owner licence（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/car-rental-business/） [Car/truck rental/operators must obtain this licence. Must have class “G” driver’s licence to apply for municipal licence])
Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Cartage & Moving Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Catering Municipal Operating Licence（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/） (required if the business has a location)
Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits
Food Handler Certification（https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/food-safety/food-handler-certification/）
Food Premises Inspection（https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/food-safety/food-safety-for-businesses/） Business Registration
Smart Serve Certificate（https://smartserve.ca/） Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Charter Boat Services Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration
Liquor Licence（https://www.agco.ca/）
Smart Serve Certificate（https://smartserve.ca/） Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Licensing & Ship Registration（https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/oep-vesselreg-registration-menu-2311.htm）
Chemicals & Paints Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System（https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/occupational-health-safety/workplace-hazardous-materials-information-system.html） (WHMIS) Training (if applicable) Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Environment and Climate Change Canada Permits（https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/corporate/transparency/acts-regulations/permits.html） (if applicable)
Chimney Sweep Business Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Chiropractic Services Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration
Membership Requirements（https://www.cco.on.ca/）
National Examinations（https://www.cceb.ca/） (CCEB)
Compliance with the X-ray Safety Code（https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90h02） (if applicable)
Provincial Board Exam（https://www.cco.on.ca/） Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html） (only if selling merchandise)
National Board Exam（https://www.cceb.ca）
Church / Place of Worship Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration (registered as non-profit organizations) Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Cigars / Cigarettes / Tobacco Municipal Operating Licence (Smoke Shop Licence（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/smoke-shops-stores-that-sell-cigarscigarettes/）)
Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Circuses & Carnivals Municipal Operating Licence (Entertainment Place of Assembly Licence（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/entertainment-place-of-assembly/） or Expanded Activity Entertainment Place of Assembly Licence（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/expanded-activity-entertainment-place-of-assembly/） or Amusement Establishment licence（https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/permits-licences-bylaws/amusement-establishment/）)
Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）
Music Sound Licence（http://www.resound.ca/contact/）
Cleaning / Exterior Building Cleaning / Janitorial Zoning Requirements
Sign Permits Business Registration
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System（https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/occupational-health-safety/workplace-hazardous-materials-information-system.html） (WHMIS) Training (if applicable) Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)（https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses.html）