The statutes indicates that an individual who (a) is engaged in business for trading, manufacturing, contracting or mining purposes; and (2) is not associated in partnership with any other person or persons and uses as the person’s business name some name or designation other than the person’s own, or the person’s own name with the addition of “and company” or some other word or phrase indicating a plurality of members in a firm; shall file with the Alberta Registrar a declaration in writing of the fact. If you are planning on registering a sole proprietorship it would be appropriate for you to take a look at the Alberta Partnership Act provisions for Alberta sole proprietorships.

This means if you are using a name other than your own in Alberta and you are not in partnership with anyone else, you must register a Declaration of Trade Name in order to carry on business in Alberta as a sole proprietorship. A Declaration of Trade Name for a sole proprietorship must be filed within six months of commencing business under a name other than your own.

An Alberta Nuans name search report is not required when registering an Alberta sole proprietorship. The Alberta Partnership Act has no requirement for an Alberta trade name/Alberta sole proprietorship to be different than other Alberta registrations. You are allowed to register the exact same name as another sole proprietorship already registered with the Alberta government. Should you register a name that is the same as another name already registered? Absolutely not, unless you are connected in some way to that other registration or have written permission to register the name.

A preliminary name search should be done to ensure your name is available and a search house can do this for you for a small fee. Many search houses will clear your name in advance for free if you chose their service when registering your Alberta trade name.

An individual can conduct business as a sole proprietorship by using his or her name and not registering an actual Alberta trade name. In fact the Alberta government will not allow you to register a sole proprietorship under your personal name. In some cases though it might be advantageous to have an Alberta registration in place such as when a corporate client wishes the sole proprietorship to acknowledge he or she has a valid business registration in place or in some cases where ancillary licenses are required for the company and a Alberta registration document must be shown. The federal government does not care if you have a Alberta sole proprietorship registration in place in order to issue you a federal Business Number. The federal business number is connected to the individual rather than the Alberta trade name registration.

You cannot register an Alberta Trade Name or Alberta Sole Proprietorship on your own. You must ask a provider to assist you with the registration. In a way this can be a good thing because the service provider with check your name for you free of charge if you pick a service provider that provides this service. Then you can be assured of having a name that is not a conflict with any other name right across Canada.

If you wish to terminate your Alberta sole proprietorship you must file a Declaration of Ceasing to Carry on Business under a Trade Name.

An Alberta Trade Name registration is perpetual which means that it will stay in place until you terminate the registration.

Resources for Canadian Business Owners can assist you with your Alberta Business Name and Alberta Business Registration or Preliminary Name Search

Should I go to a GUM clinic?

If you’re concerned that you may have any form of sexually transmitted infection, you should visit a GUM clinic. If you notice any symptoms such as abdominal pains, unusual discharges or burning sensations when urinating you should visit a clinic as soon as possible.

Also, if you have regular unprotected sex with multiple partners it is advisable to get tested frequently. Gay men are particularly at risk from HIV infection. Being proactive now could help protect your health for the future.

Should I consult my GP first?

A GUM clinic offers more specialist testing, treatment and advice than a GP or general surgery. Not only that, if you go to your GP and are then referred to a GUM clinic, then the GP will be informed of your visit. However, if you go direct to a GUM clinic you are not obliged to tell your GP that you have done so.

So, is it confidential?

GUM clinics fall under special confidentiality laws that protect your personal information. You don’t have to give your real name, and you don’t have to pass details on to your GP or insurance provider (depending on the result of any tests).

What does testing involve?

There are many different types of tests available at GUM clinics for many different types of infection. Urine tests, genital swabs and blood tests are the three most common forms. Nearly all tests involve very little discomfort.

The type of test you’ll need depends on any symptoms you have, or on the information provided to the clinician about your lifestyle and sexual relationships (it’s important to be honest – you won’t be judged on any of your lifestyle choices).

In many cases, results can be available within 24hrs, or even within the hour.

Why use a private clinic?

A good private clinic will usually offer a more flexible range of services – in a more discrete and comfortable setting. The best (particularly the larger London clinics) are able to offer better testing and treatment options than NHS alternatives. In some cases, you’ll have access to the finest private doctors available. You may also be able to find clinics that offer walk-in STI testing.

Check your clinic beforehand for information about their services and reputation, as well as to establish that they are Healthcare Commission approved and registered.