Paperwork for Alberta public contracts
The registrations, accounts and certificates Alberta public buyers ask for: company registration, APC, WCB-Alberta, COR, insurance, GST and prompt payment.
Short answer
To bid Alberta public work you need a company legally registered in Alberta or a recognized province, an Alberta Purchasing Connection account, a WCB-Alberta account with a clearance letter, insurance certificates and a safety program, often a COR or SECOR. For construction, Alberta's Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act sets payment deadlines and adjudication.
Most bids that get thrown out in Alberta aren't lost on price. They're missing a document. Get these sorted before you find the tender you want, because many take days or weeks to arrive.
The checklist
| What | Why buyers ask | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Company registration | Alberta requires suppliers to be legally registered in Alberta or a recognized province | Alberta Corporate Registry; your home province's registry |
| APC supplier account | Download documents, express interest, get addenda | Alberta Purchasing Connection |
| WCB-Alberta account and clearance | Buyers can be liable for your unpaid premiums | WCB-Alberta, through myWCB |
| Insurance certificate | Liability cover, often $2 million or more, naming the buyer | Your broker |
| Safety program, COR or SECOR | Mandatory or scored on most construction and facility work | ACSA or another certifying partner |
| GST number | Needed to charge GST on your invoices | Canada Revenue Agency |
| References | Proof you've done similar work | Past clients |
Do I need to register my company in Alberta?
If you're carrying on business there, generally yes. Alberta says businesses must be legally registered in Alberta, or in a jurisdiction recognized under the trade agreements. For a BC company, the Province of BC lists the steps under the New West Partnership. Be registered in BC, then reserve your name in Alberta, which has a fee. Register through the Alberta Corporate Registry, which has no fee under the partnership, and appoint an attorney for service in Alberta. Confirm the current steps with both registries before you bid.
WCB-Alberta
Expect to show a clearance letter with your bid or before the contract starts, and again before payments. Letters are free through myWCB. Read WCB-Alberta clearance letters for what crews from other provinces should check.
COR or SECOR
Many construction tenders ask for a Certificate of Recognition, and firms with 10 or fewer workers can get a Small Employer COR. It takes at least three months of safety records, so start early. See COR and SECOR in Alberta.
Insurance
Most tenders set minimum commercial general liability limits and ask you to name the buyer as an additional insured. Vehicle, equipment and sometimes professional liability or pollution coverage may also be required. Send your broker the insurance section of the tender before you bid. Our insurance guide explains the common terms.
Getting paid on construction work
For construction contracts, Alberta's Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act has applied to new contracts since August 29, 2022. Alberta says owners must pay within 28 days of a proper invoice, or give notice of a dispute within 14 days. Contractors must pay subcontractors within 7 days of being paid. Payment disputes can go to adjudication.
Local licences and checks
Some municipalities require a business licence for work inside their boundaries, and work in schools often needs criminal record checks for crew on site. Ask the buyer at the question stage, not after you win.
Where to go next
Start with how to register on APC, then read when Alberta buyers have to post. The BC paperwork guide covers the BC side for crews working both provinces.
What to do next
Sources
Rules and forms change. Check the official page before you rely on a detail here.