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A change of name does not affect any rights or obligations of a company or society that is incorporated or registered in British Columbia. See s. 263(8) of the Business Corporations Act and s. 16 of the Societies Act. However, where a corporation is acquiring an interest in land but changes their name before the application to register their interest is submitted, the registrar requires a corporation to apply in its new name, including where the corporation changed its name subsequent to the execution date on the document. In addition, where an application is made to register an instrument dealing with an interest in land registered in the corporation’s former name, an application to update the corporate name must be made if the corporation is remaining on title.

Companies and Societies Incorporated or Registered in British Columbia

In accordance with s. 263 of the Business Corporations Act and s. 9 of the Societies Act, the registrar checks the computer records of the Corporate Registry to verify a change of name and that the company or society is still on the register. If the registrar cannot verify a change of name, the registrar requires the applicant to provide proof.

Extraprovincial Corporation Not Registered in British Columbia

Federal Corporations: Where a federal corporation is not registered as an extraprovincial company under the Business Corporations Act, the registrar checks the online lookup of Corporations Canada to verify a change of name and the company’s incorporation and continued existence. If the registrar cannot verify a change of name using the online lookup of Corporations Canada, the registrar requires the applicant to provide proof that the company noted on title changed its name to the company noted on the current application. (See the requirements above for proof of incorporation and continued existence of a federal company not registered in British Columbia.)

Other Extraprovincial Corporations: The registrar requires a certified copy of the change of name from the jurisdiction where the extraprovincial company is registered.