Corporations Canada & Mandatory Identity Verification

Corporations Canada recently announced that identity verification is mandatory to access your ISED account (Innovation, Science and Economic Development) and the majority of its online services. It only needs to be done once and has been implemented to enhance security and protection for personal and corporate information.

How to verify your identity

There are six steps to verify your identity in your ISED account:

1. Sign in to your ISED account
2. Click your name in the top right corner
3. Select “update” in the profile box
4. Click on “get started” under the yellow exclamation mark
5. Verify your identity using one of three methods:
   • Interac banking sign-in – supports identity verification through BMO, CIBC, Desjardins, RBC, Scotiabank, TD
   • Interac document verification – requires photo of ID (passport or driver’s licence) and a selfie
   • In-person at Canada Post outlet – requires government-issued photo ID and proof of address (if not part of your government-issued photo ID)
6. Once verified, your ISED account is automatically updated

Federally Incorporated Charities Only

This applies to charities incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. It does not apply to charities that are incorporated under provincial legislation or operating as a charitable trust.

What would you file through ISED?

Federally incorporated charities can use the online filing centre to:

• File annual returns (*not* your T3010)
• Update your office address
• Update director information
• Amend articles of incorporation

For more information…

See Corporations Canada’s Identity and Access Management or My ISED Account pages.