I am a US citizen who lives in the US. I buy and sell virtual goods and have a corporation in the US. I recently created a British Columbia corporation in order to open Canadian business bank accounts and do some buying/selling in Canada.
My business is a one-man operation.
Do I need a Canadian work permit? I probably spend a cumulative 10 days in Canada per year. I don't think I'm "entering the labor force."
2.1 What requirements apply to business visitors?
The following requirements apply:
citizenship of the U.S. or Mexico;
business activities as described in Appendix 1603.A.1;
activities are international in scope;
no intent to enter the Canadian labour market;
the primary source of remuneration remains outside Canada;
the principal place of business remains outside Canada; and
compliance with existing immigration/admissibility requirements for temporary entry.
2.2 What business activities are covered by Appendix 1603.A.1?
Business activities covered by Appendix 1603.A.1 are activities of a commercial nature which reflect the components of a business cycle:
research and design;
growth, manufacture and production;
marketing;
sales;
distribution;
after-sales service; and
general service.