Ƶ

Business Retainer Agreement Template for Canada

A Business Retainer Agreement is a legally binding contract used in Canadian jurisdiction that establishes an ongoing professional relationship between a service provider and a client. This document outlines the terms under which regular services will be provided, including the scope of work, retainer fees, payment terms, and service delivery expectations. It incorporates Canadian federal and provincial legal requirements, particularly focusing on contract law, professional services regulations, and relevant industry standards. The agreement provides a framework for consistent service delivery while protecting both parties' interests through clear definitions of rights, obligations, and termination conditions.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Get template free

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your docs

4.6 / 5
4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5

What is a Business Retainer Agreement?

The Business Retainer Agreement serves as a foundational document for establishing and maintaining professional service relationships in the Canadian business context. It is typically used when a client requires regular, ongoing access to professional services, such as legal counsel, consulting, or technical support. The agreement details the retainer amount, service scope, response times, and communication protocols, while ensuring compliance with Canadian federal and provincial regulations. This document is essential for businesses seeking to secure priority access to professional services while providing service providers with a stable, predictable income stream. The agreement includes provisions for confidentiality, intellectual property protection, and dispute resolution, tailored to Canadian legal requirements.

What sections should be included in a Business Retainer Agreement?

1. Parties: Identifies and provides full legal names and addresses of all parties to the agreement

2. Background: Explains the context and purpose of the retainer arrangement

3. Definitions: Defines key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Scope of Services: Detailed description of services to be provided under the retainer

5. Term and Renewal: Duration of the agreement and conditions for renewal

6. Retainer Fees and Payment Terms: Specifies retainer amount, payment schedule, and billing procedures

7. Obligations of Service Provider: Details the responsibilities and commitments of the service provider

8. Client Responsibilities: Outlines the client's obligations and required cooperation

9. Confidentiality: Provisions for handling confidential information

10. Termination: Conditions and procedures for ending the agreement

11. General Provisions: Standard legal clauses including governing law, notices, and entire agreement

What sections are optional to include in a Business Retainer Agreement?

1. Intellectual Property Rights: Include when services involve creation or use of intellectual property

2. Non-Competition: Add when protecting against competitive activities is necessary

3. Non-Solicitation: Include to prevent solicitation of employees or clients

4. Insurance Requirements: Add when specific insurance coverage needs to be maintained

5. Data Protection: Include when personal or sensitive data will be processed

6. Force Majeure: Add to address unforeseeable circumstances preventing performance

7. Dispute Resolution: Include specific procedures for resolving disputes

8. Service Level Agreement: Add when specific performance metrics need to be maintained

What schedules should be included in a Business Retainer Agreement?

1. Schedule A - Scope of Services: Detailed breakdown of services included in the retainer

2. Schedule B - Fee Schedule: Detailed fee structure, including hourly rates if applicable

3. Schedule C - Service Level Requirements: Specific metrics and standards for service delivery

4. Schedule D - Key Personnel: List of key team members assigned to the client

5. Appendix 1 - Reporting Ƶ: Standard forms for progress reports and time tracking

6. Appendix 2 - Communication Protocols: Procedures for routine communications and escalations

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Ƶ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents

Jurisdiction

Canada

Publisher

Ƶ

Document Type

Retainer Agreement

Cost

Free to use

Find the exact document you need

Marketing Retainer Agreement

A Canadian-law governed agreement establishing ongoing marketing services between an agency and client, defining scope, fees, and delivery terms.

Download

Business Retainer Agreement

A Canadian-jurisdiction contract establishing terms for ongoing professional services between a service provider and client, including scope, fees, and delivery expectations.

Download

Creative Retainer Agreement

A Canadian agreement establishing terms for ongoing creative services between a service provider and client, including retainer terms, deliverables, and IP rights.

Download

Monthly Retainer Fee Agreement

A Canadian-compliant agreement establishing ongoing professional services with monthly payment terms and service scope.

Download

Hourly Retainer Agreement

A Canadian-compliant agreement establishing terms for ongoing professional services provided on an hourly basis with advance retainer payments.

Download

Expert Retainer Agreement

A Canadian legal agreement establishing terms for expert professional services as an independent contractor, including scope, compensation, and obligations.

Download

Construction Retainer Agreement

A Canadian-law governed agreement establishing a professional retainer relationship for construction services, outlining service terms, payment structures, and compliance requirements.

Download

Flat Fee Retainer Agreement

A Canadian legal contract establishing a fixed-price arrangement between an attorney and client for specified legal services.

Download

Independent Contractor Retainer Agreement

A Canadian-law governed agreement establishing the terms and conditions between a business and an independent contractor, defining services, compensation, and relationship parameters.

Download

Retainer Letter

A Canadian legal document establishing the terms of engagement between a lawyer/law firm and client, outlining services, fees, and professional obligations.

Download

Accounting Retainer Agreement

A Canadian-law governed agreement establishing a retainer arrangement between an accounting firm and client, defining professional services, fees, and mutual obligations.

Download

Employee Retainer Agreement

A Canadian legal agreement establishing terms for retained employment with flexible work arrangements, compliant with federal and provincial employment laws.

Download

Professional Services Retainer Agreement

A Canadian-law governed agreement establishing terms for ongoing professional services delivery under a retainer arrangement.

Download

Flat Fee Agreement

A Canadian-law governed agreement establishing a fixed-price arrangement for specified services with predetermined deliverables and payment terms.

Download

Freelance Retainer Contract

Canadian-law governed agreement establishing terms for ongoing freelance services under a retainer arrangement.

Download

Retainer Fee Agreement

A Canadian-law governed agreement establishing terms for ongoing professional services delivery with retainer fee arrangements.

Download

Retainer Contract

A Canadian-compliant agreement establishing an ongoing professional relationship with recurring fee arrangements for specified services.

Download
See more related templates

ұԾ’s Security Promise

Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.

Your documents are private:

We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently

All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation

Your documents are protected:

Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security:

You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information

You have full control over your data and who gets to see it