Partnership

A partnership is formed when two or more persons combine their resources in a business to make a profit.

  • In Canada, a partnership is not a separate legal entity from its partners.
  • Provinces have exclusive jurisdiction over partnerships.
  • Alberta has its own partnership legislation administered by Service Alberta.
  • All partnerships must be registered in Alberta.

General partnership

General partnerships enable all partners to participate in the management of the business.

  • Partners have unlimited liability for the debts and obligations incurred by the other partners.
  • Each partner is responsible for the actions of the other partners.

Limited partnership

Limited partnerships have general partners and limited partners.

  • General partners are exposed to unlimited liability. They are responsible for managing the partnership.
  • Limited partners do not participate in managing or controlling the partnership. They are liable only to the extent of the amount of capital they have contributed.

Public-private partnership

Public-private partnerships take advantage of expertise from both public and private sectors to work on a project or deliver a service that meets public needs. Generally:

  • The public sector oversees the project and conducts quality assessments.
  • The private sector directly implements or delivers the service or project.

Public-private partnerships can take many forms. They vary according to each side’s involvement in the project.

Government resources

Alberta Partnership Act
Partnership Regulation
Understand the legislation governing partnerships in Alberta.

Registering Trade Names, Partnerships and Limited Partnerships
Service Alberta provides information about registering partnerships.

Forms: Trade Names, Partnerships
Download forms needed to register a partnership.

Obligations and Responsibilities after Incorporation or Registration
Ensure the partnership conducts business according to provincial legislation.

Company Directories
Find a partner through Industry Canada’s database of Canadian businesses.

Date Updated:
RDP-1671