The Franchise Disclosure Act  (the “Act”) and The Franchise Disclosure Regulations (the “Regulations”) are coming into force in Saskatchewan on June 30, 2026, and franchisors operating in, or expanding into, the province should take immediate steps to ensure compliance.

Saskatchewan Joins the Modernized Franchise Framework

While Canadian provinces have had franchise-specific disclosure legislation since as early as the year 2000, Saskatchewan’s franchise industry was governed only by general contract law. This changes on June 30, 2026, when franchisors will be required to provide a Franchise Disclosure Document (“FDD”) to prospective franchisees before entering into a franchise agreement.

This choice reflects a clear legislative intent: to address the information imbalance between franchisors and franchisees and to promote more informed investment decisions in franchising. This change is significant as it introduces mandatory disclosure obligations that fundamentally alter the legal framework governing franchise relationships in the province.

Who Must Comply, and When?

The new regime applies broadly, requiring franchisors to comply with the Act and the Regulations for all franchise agreements that are entered into, renewed, extended, or transferred on or before June 30, 2026. The legislation is therefore not limited to new franchises entering Saskatchewan. Existing franchisors with operations in the province must also review their documentation and processes for the new franchise regime.

The 14-Day Rule

The timing of disclosure matters. Under Saskatchewan’s new regime, a FDD must be delivered at least 14 days before signing any franchise agreement or accepting any consideration (subject to limited exceptions).

What Must Be Included in a Saskatchewan-Compliant FDD?

The Act and its Regulations prescribe detailed disclosure requirements, including:

• risk warnings;
• financial statements;
• fees, costs, and projections;
• territorial rights and restrictions;
• dispute resolution processes; 
• list of current and former franchisees; and,
• any material facts.

Each FDD must also include a certificate of accuracy, signed by the franchisor, confirming that the disclosure is complete and not misleading.

Failing to meet these requirements can result in: (i) rescission rights (for potentially up to two years if no FDD was provided); and (ii) damages for misrepresentation. Importantly, these rights cannot be waived by franchisees, even by agreement.

Can You Use Your Ontario or BC Disclosure Documents in Saskatchewan?

In most cases, yes, but not without modification.

Many national franchisors rely on a “wraparound” or harmonized FDD intended to satisfy multiple jurisdictions. This approach remains viable, but Saskatchewan-specific tailoring will be required. Key areas likely to require modification include:

• Saskatchewan-specific risk warnings;
• Certificates of accuracy;
• Requirements for financial statements;
• An agent for service in Saskatchewan;
• Franchisee lists and disclosure assumptions; and
• Potential adjustments to territorial or proximity language.

For franchisors expanding into Saskatchewan for the first time, this presents a natural opportunity to standardize and modernize disclosure documents across jurisdictions.

A Practical Compliance Checklist for June 30, 2026

Franchisors should take the following steps before the litigation comes into force:

1. Review and update FDD documents to ensure all required Saskatchewan disclosures are included;
2. Assess current financial disclosure practices to confirm that all financial statements meet the regulatory requirements;
3. Implement compliant delivery procedures to ensure the 14-day disclosure period is followed;
4. Appoint a Saskatchewan agent for service;
5. Continually update FDD documents to include material facts; and,
6. Ensure franchise sales personnel understand timing and compliance obligations.

How We Can Help

Saskatchewan’s franchise regime introduces both new opportunities and new risks. We assist franchisors and franchisees alike, but for franchisors looking to remain compliant, McKercher LLP can provide comprehensive legal services in franchise law, assist with preparing franchise disclosure documents, advise on compliance gaps specific to Saskatchewan, and help implement compliant delivery and record-keeping procedures ahead of June 30, 2026.

About the McKercher LLP Franchise Law Group

The McKercher LLP Franchise Law practice group provides guidance for Saskatchewan franchisors and franchisees. As a member of the CFA, McKercher LLP has a strong franchise group of solicitor and litigation lawyers, with significant experience in franchise law at both the provincial and national levels. This group has experience in representing major clients in the franchise industry, including franchise business clients in the restaurant, grocery, cannabis, education, industrial, hotel, automotive, and retail sectors. Our group can assist with the full spectrum of business legal needs for franchises. Visit the Franchise Law service webpage to learn more and get in touch with a member of our team.

About the Authors:

David J. Ukrainetz is a partner practicing in the McKercher LLP Saskatoon office, practicing in the areas of franchise law, corporate/commercial litigation, insolvency law, and business advice.

Jordyn M. Nachtegaele is an associate lawyer in the McKercher LLP Saskatoon office with experience in entrepreneurship who maintains a general corporate commercial practice. 

About McKercher LLP:

For 100 years, McKercher LLP has grown deep roots across Saskatchewan, serving the community from offices in Saskatoon and Regina. Now, as one of the province’s largest and most established full-service law firms, we proudly carry on this legacy – following a client-first philosophy as we provide legal services and real solutions for the people who rely on us.

This post is for information purposes only and should not be taken as legal opinions on any specific facts or circumstances. Counsel should be consulted concerning your own situation and any specific legal questions you may have.