Digital vs physical minute book
Both are legal for federal and Ontario corporations. Here is how they compare.
| Electronic allowed | Yes, CBCA s. 22 and OBCA s. 139 |
| Condition | Reproducible in readable form within a reasonable time, protected against loss |
| Seal required | No, optional |
| Physical kit cost | About CA$135 to CA$155 |
What the law says
Section 22 of the CBCA and section 139 of the OBCA let a corporation keep its records electronically, as long as they can be reproduced in intelligible written form within a reasonable time and reasonable precautions are taken against loss, destruction and falsification.
Side by side
| Digital (PDF) | Physical binder | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | One-time or subscription | Kit about CA$135 to CA$155 plus shipping |
| Speed | Minutes to days | Days, shipped |
| Sharing with bank or accountant | Email a copy | Photocopy or scan |
| Signatures | Print and sign, or e-sign | Wet ink |
| Risk | File loss without backups | Fire, flood, misplacement |
Kit prices from public Canadian supplier pages, October 31, 2026.
Get a digital book you can also print
Instant PDF with tab dividers, ready for a binder.
Have us prepare it, CA$89 →Best of both
Many owners download a digital book, sign a printed copy, and keep both the signed original and a scanned PDF. That gives you a paper original and a backup you can send in seconds.
Common trap: no backup
A single copy on one laptop is not an adequate precaution. Keep a second copy somewhere else.
Do you need a seal?
No. A corporate seal is optional for CBCA and OBCA corporations. Some banks still ask for one, which is the main reason people buy it.
Frequently asked questions
Is a digital minute book legally valid in Ontario?
Yes, OBCA s. 139 allows electronic records that meet its conditions.
Can I print a digital book into a binder?
Yes. Our PDF includes tabbed divider pages so it prints straight into a standard binder.
Do I need wet signatures?
The statutes allow written resolutions signed by all those entitled to vote; many corporations use e-signatures. Ask your lawyer if a bank or buyer needs originals.
Sources
This page is general information, not legal advice. We are a document preparation service, not a law firm. Review by a lawyer licensed in your province is recommended.