Business Management Programmes in Canada

Canada has long attracted international students who want to study business, management, finance, marketing and entrepreneurship.

But the Canadian business education market has changed quite a bit in the last few years.

There are now more questions to consider than simply choosing between an MBA and a BBA. Students need to look at programme length, tuition, work experience requirements, internships, the type of institution, post graduation work options and, for international students, the exact immigration rules attached to the programme.

This is particularly important in 2026.

Canada has tightened parts of its international student system, introduced new study permit controls and changed post graduation work permit requirements. At the same time, public universities continue to offer a wide range of business degrees, from undergraduate Business Administration programmes to specialised Master's degrees in Management, Business Analytics and Finance.

So what should a student actually look for?

This guide breaks down the main business management programmes in Canada, who they are designed for, what they cost, which universities offer them and what students should understand before applying.

What are Business Management programmes in Canada?

“Business Management” is a broad category rather than one specific Canadian degree.

Depending on your academic level and career goals, you could study:

• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
• Bachelor of Management
• Master of Management
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Business Analytics
• Master of Finance
• Master of Marketing
• Master of Supply Chain Management
• Master of International Business
• Master of Management in Analytics

There are also graduate diplomas and college level business programmes.

They should not automatically be treated as equivalent to a university degree.

That distinction is especially important for international students because Canada's current post graduation work permit rules treat bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates differently from other types of programmes.

Why study Business Management in Canada?

A business degree can be useful because almost every industry needs people who understand how organisations operate.

Business graduates can work in areas such as:

• Finance
• Marketing
• Operations
• Consulting
• Human resources
• Sales
• Business development
• Supply chain
• Procurement
• Project management
• Business analysis
• Entrepreneurship
• Technology management

The Canadian labour market also has business related occupations across most provinces.

For example, Canada's Job Bank currently lists business management analysts as a university level occupation with a national median wage of CAD $44.10 per hour. Job prospects vary by province, with the current outlook ranging from moderate to good across most provinces and territories.

Business development roles show more variation. Job Bank currently lists a national median wage of CAD $44.00 per hour, while the three year outlook varies considerably between provinces.

Marketing is another common path. Job Bank lists a national median wage of CAD $35.58 per hour for marketing specialists, with provincial prospects ranging from limited to good.

These figures are occupation level statistics, not guaranteed salaries for international graduates.

Your degree, previous experience, location, skills and the type of role you target all affect the outcome.

The main types of Business Management programmes

Before looking at universities, it helps to understand the different degree options.

The most important distinction for an international applicant is often MBA versus Master of Management.

An MBA is generally aimed at professionals.

A Master of Management is much more likely to be aimed at students who have recently completed their undergraduate education.

MBA or Master of Management?

This is one of the first decisions many Indian students should make.

A traditional MBA is usually designed around people who already have meaningful professional experience.

For example, the University of Toronto's Rotman Full Time MBA currently requires at least two years of full time work experience.

Ivey's MBA also requires two years of full time professional experience, while McGill's Desautels MBA lists a minimum of two years of relevant full time work experience.

A Master of Management is different.

Rotman's Master of Management is an 11 month full time programme designed for recent graduates, particularly those from non business backgrounds. Work experience is not required, although candidates can have up to 2.5 years of post graduation full time experience when they start.

That distinction can save students a lot of time.

A recent engineering graduate who wants business education does not necessarily need to force an MBA into their application plan.

A Master of Management may be the more natural academic route.

Popular Business Management programmes in Canada

Canada has a wide range of universities offering business degrees.

Some programmes worth researching include the following.

University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management

Rotman offers several business programmes, including its Full Time MBA and Master of Management.

The Full Time MBA is structured as a 20 month degree, made up of 16 months of academic study and a four month paid internship. Students can choose from more than 100 electives and can focus their studies through MBA emphases.

For the class beginning in 2026, the estimated international academic fee for the Full Time MBA is CAD $144,770, excluding university incidental and compulsory ancillary fees. Rotman also estimates first year living expenses in Toronto separately.

For students at an earlier stage of their career, the Rotman Master of Management is an 11 month programme. International tuition for the class of 2027 is estimated at CAD $71,000, excluding additional university and ancillary fees.

This is a good illustration of how dramatically the cost and purpose can differ between two business degrees at the same business school.

York University, Schulich School of Business

Schulich is another well known Canadian business school offering an MBA and other graduate business programmes.

For the Fall 2026 framework, Schulich lists international full time MBA tuition at CAD $31,005 per term, charged across three terms for the programme. That gives an academic tuition figure of approximately CAD $93,015 before considering other applicable costs and any changes approved by the university.

Schulich's MBA is a full time programme, and its admissions process includes a GMAT or GRE component under the programme's current application framework. The school also notes that the current study permit processing time can exceed four months, which is another reason international students should not leave the visa process until the last minute.

Ivey Business School, Western University

Ivey's Full Time MBA is designed around a 12 month programme and is moving to a January start beginning in 2027.

The school requires two years of full time professional experience for its MBA.

For the 2027 programme, Ivey estimates international tuition at CAD $136,310, with additional estimated fees of around CAD $6,200.

Ivey also offers an MSc in Management with specialisations including Business Analytics and Digital Management, as well as International Business. For the September 2026 intake, the international tuition for its MSc in Management was listed at CAD $93,765 for the programme.

That makes Ivey relevant not only to MBA applicants but also to recent graduates considering specialised management study.

UBC Sauder School of Business

UBC Sauder offers a 16 month full time MBA in Vancouver.

For its current published 2026 entry information, the international tuition is CAD $112,758. The school states that the programme is eligible for a three year post graduation work permit.

Vancouver is an attractive location for many international students, but it is also one of Canada's more expensive housing markets.

That means students should not compare this programme with another MBA using tuition alone.

Look at the complete cost of living in the city as well.

McGill Desautels Faculty of Management

McGill takes a somewhat different approach to the MBA.

Its current programme offers different pathways, including a 12 month 48 credit route and a 20 month 54 credit route, with an accelerated 16 month option available for the longer format. The longer route can include an internship or practicum.

McGill's current MBA class profile shows an average of 5.5 years of work experience, with more than 60% of the class made up of international students and more than 30 countries represented.

The tuition listed for the Fall 2027 entering class is CAD $108,500 before other individual expenses.

McGill also offers a Master of Management in Analytics for students who want a more specialised route into business analytics and AI. The programme is available in 12 or 16 month full time formats and does not require pre degree work experience.

What do you actually study in Business Management?

The answer depends on the programme.

A general Business Management degree can cover:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• Economics
• Operations
• Organisational behaviour
• Business strategy
• Human resources
• Entrepreneurship
• Business law
• Business analytics
• International business
• Supply chain management

At postgraduate level, you are more likely to choose electives and focus on particular areas.

A student interested in consulting may take strategy and analytics courses.

Someone interested in marketing may focus on consumer behaviour, digital marketing and brand management.

A student targeting operations may choose supply chain, procurement and process management.

Someone with a technology background may combine management with analytics, digital transformation or information systems.

That flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of business education.

Business Analytics is becoming increasingly important

A traditional business degree is not the only option anymore.

Companies increasingly expect business professionals to understand data.

That is why Business Analytics has become one of the more popular specialised management fields.

Business Analytics programmes may cover:

• Statistics
• Data visualisation
• SQL
• Business intelligence
• Predictive analytics
• Machine learning
• Operations research
• Marketing analytics
• Financial analytics
• Decision making

McGill's Master of Management in Analytics explicitly combines technical expertise, applied knowledge and business skills, with areas such as analytics and AI.

Queen's Smith School of Business also offers a Master of Management Analytics. Its current international programme fee is CAD $85,652 for the listed programme structure.

This type of programme can be particularly interesting for students who want a business career but also want stronger quantitative and technology skills.

International Business Management in Canada

International Business is another option for students who want to understand how companies operate across countries.

The curriculum can include:

• Global strategy
• International marketing
• Cross cultural management
• International finance
• International trade
• Global supply chains
• Market entry
• International entrepreneurship

The subject can be particularly relevant if you are interested in multinational companies.

However, an International Business degree should still give you practical skills.

Employers are not simply looking for someone who understands that companies operate in different countries.

They also need people who can analyse markets, communicate with stakeholders, work with data and make sound commercial decisions.

Supply Chain and Operations Management

Canada is a useful market to consider for supply chain related business education because logistics and operations connect industries across the country.

Students can specialise in:

• Supply chain strategy
• Procurement
• Operations
• Logistics
• Inventory
• Demand forecasting
• Transportation
• Operations analytics
• Sustainable supply chains

This can be a good fit for students with backgrounds in engineering, commerce, economics or business who want to move into operational roles.

It can also pair well with data and analytics.

Modern supply chain teams increasingly depend on forecasting, optimisation and technology rather than purely manual processes.

Finance and Financial Management

Finance remains one of the traditional business disciplines.

Students may study:

• Corporate finance
• Investment analysis
• Financial modelling
• Risk
• Banking
• Portfolio management
• Financial markets
• Fintech

A finance focused Master's can make more sense than a general MBA for someone who already knows that they want to work in finance.

At the same time, many MBA programmes allow finance as a major or concentration.

The right choice depends on whether you want breadth or specialisation.

Marketing and Digital Marketing

Marketing has changed substantially with the growth of digital channels and data.

Modern marketing programmes can cover:

• Consumer behaviour
• Brand strategy
• Digital marketing
• Marketing analytics
• Advertising
• Customer experience
• Social media
• Market research
• Product strategy

The Canadian labour market includes a large marketing profession. Job Bank currently estimates around 233,600 people employed in the relevant marketing specialist occupational group nationally, although provincial outlooks vary.

The lesson for students is simple.

Do not choose marketing because it sounds creative.

Make sure you are developing useful skills such as analytics, research, communication, digital platforms and commercial decision making.

Human Resources Management

Students interested in people, organisational culture and workforce strategy can consider Human Resources programmes.

These can cover:

• Recruitment
• Compensation
• Employment relations
• Learning and development
• Organisational behaviour
• HR analytics
• Talent management
• Workforce planning

Canadian Job Bank currently lists human resources specialist roles across the country, with three year provincial prospects ranging from moderate to good in several regions.

Again, employment outcomes vary by location and experience.

For international students, communication skills and familiarity with Canadian employment practices can be particularly important.

How much does Business Management study cost in Canada?

This is one area where it helps to use national data rather than an arbitrary fee range copied from an education website.

Statistics Canada has released its 2026/27 tuition data, and the current national weighted average for international graduate students in Business, Management and Public Administration is CAD $29,412 per academic year.

The separate national average for a regular MBA is CAD $48,222, while the average for an Executive MBA is CAD $95,691.

Statistics Canada excludes regular and Executive MBA programmes from its broader Business, Management and Public Administration average because their much higher fees would distort the overall figure. The 2026/27 figures are preliminary.

That distinction is important.

A student comparing a Master of Management with an MBA should not assume that the national business graduate average represents both.

MBA tuition is often considerably higher.

And individual universities can be above or below the national average by a substantial amount.

What about undergraduate Business degrees?

Undergraduate business programmes can include BBA, BCom and Bachelor of Management degrees.

Statistics Canada groups these programmes within the broader Business, Management and Public Administration category for tuition reporting.

International undergraduate fees vary widely between provinces, universities and programmes, so applicants should use the exact university fee schedule rather than rely on a single national figure.

For students considering a four year Canadian Bachelor's, the total financial commitment can be significant.

It is therefore worth comparing:

• Tuition
• Residence or rental costs
• Meal costs
• Transport
• Insurance
• Books
• Application fees
• Study permit costs
• Travel

The cost of the entire degree matters more than the first year's tuition.

How expensive is living in Canada?

There is no single Canadian student budget.

Toronto, Vancouver and other major cities can have very different housing costs from smaller university cities.

This is why Statistics Canada tuition data and immigration financial requirements should not be confused with an actual student budget.

For study permit applications made on or after 1 September 2026, Canada requires a single student outside Quebec to demonstrate CAD $23,448 for the first year's living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation. Higher amounts apply when family members accompany the student.

That is a minimum financial capacity requirement for immigration purposes.

It is not a guarantee that CAD $23,448 will cover every student's real living costs.

Students in Toronto or Vancouver may need a higher personal budget depending on accommodation and lifestyle.

Can business students work while studying?

Eligible international students can currently work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions.

During a scheduled break recognised by the institution, eligible students can work unlimited hours.

For students, that can provide useful extra income and, more importantly, an opportunity to gain Canadian workplace experience.

But a part time job should not be the foundation of your study abroad financial plan.

Canada requires students to demonstrate sufficient financial resources without relying on work in Canada.

The sensible approach is to arrive financially prepared and treat part time work as additional support.

What are the current study permit rules for business students?

Canada's international student system is more controlled than it was a few years ago.

For 2026, IRCC expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits, including 155,000 to newly arriving international students and 253,000 extensions for current and returning students.

There is an important exception that matters to many postgraduate business students.

From 1 January 2026, students entering a degree granting master's or doctoral programme at a public designated learning institution do not need a provincial or territorial attestation letter, or PAL/TAL, for their study permit application. They still need a letter of acceptance and the other required documentation. Quebec has separate provincial requirements.

This does not mean every business student is exempt.

A student entering an undergraduate business degree may still fall under the applicable PAL/TAL rules.

A student entering a public university master's degree can benefit from the exemption.

That distinction can affect application planning.

The most important immigration point: degree or diploma?

This deserves its own section.

Canada's current Post Graduation Work Permit rules distinguish between graduates of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees and graduates of other types of university or college programmes.

For bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates:

There is a CLB 7 language requirement in all four language areas for PGWP applications under the current rules.

There is no field of study requirement for these three degree levels.

That means a qualifying Canadian Master's in Business or Management does not currently have to meet the separate field of study requirement that applies to certain other programme types.

For other university or college programmes, additional field of study rules can apply.

The government says that applicants in those categories who submitted their study permit application on or after 1 November 2024 must generally graduate in an eligible field of study unless another exception applies.

This is why students should be extremely cautious with advertisements for:

• Business diplomas
• Business administration diplomas
• Postgraduate business certificates
• Graduate certificates
• Short business programmes

The fact that a programme is called “Business Management” does not automatically tell you whether it is PGWP eligible.

You need to check the institution, programme and applicable CIP classification.

The official DLI list and the programme's own information should be checked before paying a deposit.

How long can a Master's graduate work in Canada?

This is one of Canada's more significant advantages for eligible graduates.

For a qualifying Master's programme, a student can be eligible for a three year PGWP even if the Master's itself is less than two years, provided the programme is at least eight months long and the graduate meets the other requirements.

This makes the structure of the programme important.

A properly structured university Master's can provide a very different post graduation work option from a short college business credential.

That does not mean a three year work permit guarantees permanent residence.

It means eligible graduates may have a longer period in which to obtain qualifying Canadian work experience and pursue whatever immigration options they may qualify for later.

What about a spouse or family member?

This is another area where older Canada study abroad information can be misleading.

Since 21 January 2025, the spouse or common law partner of an international student may qualify for an open work permit in certain circumstances, including where the student is enrolled in a master's degree programme of 16 months or longer or a doctoral programme.

So a married student considering a Canadian business Master's should look at the programme length, not just the programme title.

For example, one 12 month Master's and one 16 month Master's may look similar academically but can have different implications for family work permit eligibility.

Immigration rules should therefore be checked before you make your final university choice.

What are the admission requirements for Business Management programmes?

There is no single Canada wide entry requirement.

It depends on the programme.

Bachelor's degree

A student applying for an undergraduate Business programme will normally need:

• Secondary school qualifications
• Required subjects
• English language proficiency
• The university's specific academic requirements

Some programmes may have mathematics prerequisites.

Master of Management

Requirements can be more flexible.

Rotman's Master of Management, for example, is designed for applicants with non business undergraduate backgrounds and does not require work experience. It does, however, require a recognised four year undergraduate degree, a mid B average and evidence of quantitative proficiency.

MBA

MBA programmes are generally more focused on professional experience.

Rotman requires at least two years.

Ivey requires two years.

McGill requires two years.

GMAT or GRE requirements vary by programme.

This is why your previous experience should influence the type of business degree you apply for.

What English test do you need?

Canadian universities can accept different combinations of:

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• PTE
• CAEL
• Duolingo English Test

and other approved forms of proof depending on the institution.

The exact requirement can vary.

For example, Ivey currently lists minimum scores including IELTS 7, PTE 70 and Duolingo 125 for applicants who need to demonstrate English proficiency.

Rotman's current Master's admissions requirements accept IELTS Academic with a minimum overall score of 7.0 and at least 6.5 across all bands where English testing is required.

These are university requirements, not Canadian immigration minimums.

Do not confuse the two.

Is GMAT required for Business Management in Canada?

Not necessarily.

It depends on the degree.

For MBA programmes, GMAT or GRE can still be part of the admissions process at many business schools, but the exact policy varies.

For some specialised Master's degrees, the tests may be optional or not required.

Rotman's Master of Management, for example, can satisfy its quantitative requirement through undergraduate coursework or through GMAT or GRE scores.

McGill's current MBA admissions information lists GMAT or GRE as required.

So do not prepare for the GMAT automatically.

First create your university shortlist.

Then check the actual admission requirements for each programme.

What careers can Business Management graduates pursue?

A Business Management degree is broad, so there are several possible directions.

Management consulting

Consulting firms hire graduates to analyse business problems, improve operations and advise organisations.

Canada's Job Bank classifies business management analysts as professionals who analyse organisational structures and operations and recommend improvements.

Business analysis

Business analysts work between business teams and operational or technical functions.

This can involve:

• Requirements
• Process analysis
• Reporting
• Data
• Systems
• Project work
• Marketing

Marketing graduates can work in:

• Digital marketing
• Brand management
• Market research
• Customer insights
• Marketing analytics
• Finance

Finance focused graduates can move into:

• Financial analysis
• Corporate finance
• Banking
• Risk
• Planning
• Human resources

Possible areas include:

• Recruitment
• Talent management
• HR operations
• Learning and development
• People analytics
• Operations and supply chain

Graduates can work in:

• Procurement
• Logistics
• Inventory
• Operations
• Supply chain planning
• Business development

Business development involves identifying markets, customers and commercial opportunities. Job Bank currently lists a national median wage of CAD $44 per hour for the relevant occupational group, although prospects vary by province.

Is Canada good for Business Management?

Canada can be a useful destination for business students, particularly when the programme is carefully matched to the student's career stage.

A recent graduate may benefit from a Master of Management or a specialised business Master's.

A professional with several years of experience may find an MBA more appropriate.

A student interested in analytics may prefer a programme that combines management with data.

Someone targeting supply chain or finance may want a specialised degree instead of general management.

The country itself should not be the only decision.

The programme matters.

The university matters.

The city matters.

The total cost matters.

And, for international students, the immigration structure matters.

What should you check before applying?

Before submitting an application, look at these details for every programme.

Degree type

Is it a Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, diploma or certificate?

Institution

Is it a recognised university or DLI?

PGWP

Is the exact programme eligible under current rules?

CIP code

Does the programme need to meet a field of study requirement?

Programme length

Eight months? One year? 16 months? Two years?

Tuition

What is the total programme cost?

Living expenses

What will accommodation and everyday expenses realistically cost in that city?

Work experience

Is professional experience required?

GMAT or GRE

Required, optional or not needed?

English test

Which tests and scores are accepted?

Internship

Does the programme include a work term or internship?

Career support

What does the school actually provide?

Location

What business and employment opportunities exist around the university?

This checklist can prevent expensive mistakes.

Business Management in Canada: a practical comparison

The table is a general guide. Individual Canadian universities can structure these programmes differently.

Common mistakes international students make

Choosing an MBA immediately after college

The programme may technically accept your application, but that does not mean it is the right degree for your career stage.

Look at Master of Management programmes as well.

Choosing a business diploma without checking PGWP rules

This is particularly important in 2026.

Do not assume that a business diploma automatically leads to a post graduation work permit. The applicable rules for non degree programmes are different.

Comparing universities only by tuition

Toronto and Vancouver can have very different housing costs from smaller Canadian cities.

Assuming the national tuition average applies to every MBA

Statistics Canada treats regular and Executive MBA programmes separately because of their higher fees.

Treating part time work as a way to finance the entire degree

Canada requires proof that you can support yourself without relying on employment in Canada.

Choosing a city without looking at the job market

Business employment prospects vary between provinces and occupational groups. Job Bank's current data demonstrates that variation clearly.

Final thoughts

Business Management is one of those fields where the course title tells you relatively little.

A Master of Management is not the same as an MBA.

An MBA is not the same as a Master of Business Analytics.

A university degree is not necessarily equivalent to a college business diploma.

And a 12 month programme can have different implications from a 16 month or two year programme.

For international students, those differences can affect admission, budget, work experience requirements, family options and post graduation work eligibility.

Canada's current system also makes it more important than ever to check the exact programme before paying a deposit.

For a qualifying bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, there is currently no PGWP field of study requirement, although language requirements apply. Other programme types can face additional field of study rules.

For 2026, public university Master's and doctoral students also receive an important PAL/TAL exemption for study permit applications, while other student groups continue to face the applicable provincial or territorial requirements.

And for eligible Master's graduates, a qualifying programme of at least eight months can potentially lead to a three year PGWP.

So rather than starting with:

“Which is the best business management course in Canada?”

Start with:

“What kind of business career am I trying to build?”

Then choose the degree.

Then the university.

Then the city.

Then work out the total cost and immigration implications.

That order makes a lot more sense than choosing a university first and trying to make the rest fit around it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular Business Management programmes in Canada?

Students commonly consider BBA, BCom, Bachelor of Management, Master of Management, MBA, Business Analytics, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain and International Business programmes.

Is an MBA better than a Master of Management in Canada?

They are designed for different career stages. An MBA is generally aimed at professionals with work experience, while a Master of Management can be designed for recent graduates. Rotman's current Master of Management, for example, does not require work experience and allows up to 2.5 years of post graduation experience.

Can I study Business Management in Canada without work experience?

Yes. Many undergraduate and specialised Master's programmes do not require professional experience. MBA programmes often do. Rotman and Ivey currently require at least two years of professional experience for their respective full time MBA routes.

How much does a Business Master's cost in Canada?

Statistics Canada's preliminary 2026/27 national average for international graduate students in Business, Management and Public Administration is CAD $29,412 per year. The average for a regular MBA is higher at CAD $48,222. Actual university fees can be much higher or lower.

How much does an MBA cost in Canada?

It varies significantly. Current examples include around CAD $108,500 in tuition for the 2027 entering McGill MBA, CAD $112,758 for UBC Sauder's 2026 MBA entry, CAD $136,310 for Ivey's 2027 MBA and CAD $144,770 for Rotman's 2026 Full Time MBA academic fees.

Can international Business students work while studying in Canada?

Eligible international students can currently work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions and unlimited hours during eligible scheduled breaks.

Can I get a three year PGWP after a Canadian Master's?

Eligible Master's graduates can potentially receive a three year PGWP even when the Master's itself is less than two years, provided the programme is at least eight months and the other requirements are met.

Does a Business degree qualify for PGWP?

Bachelor's, Master's and doctoral graduates do not currently face the separate PGWP field of study requirement. Other programme types can be subject to field of study rules and should be checked using the exact programme and CIP code.

Do I need GMAT for an MBA in Canada?

It depends on the business school. Some MBA programmes require GMAT or GRE, while policies vary across universities. McGill currently lists GMAT or GRE as required, while other programmes have different requirements.

Can my spouse work while I study Business Management in Canada?

Under the current rules, a spouse or common law partner may be eligible for an open work permit when the student is enrolled in a master's programme of 16 months or longer or a doctoral programme, subject to the applicable conditions.

Which Canadian cities are good for Business Management students?

Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal have large business ecosystems and major universities, while cities such as London, Ontario and others can offer different cost and lifestyle profiles. The better choice depends on your programme, budget and target career rather than city reputation alone.

Planning to study Business Management in Canada? TIRO Education can help you compare universities, choose between an MBA and specialised Master's programmes, check eligibility and understand the current study permit and post graduation work rules before you apply.

Information in this article reflects Canadian university, Statistics Canada, Job Bank and Government of Canada information available in October 2026. Tuition fees, programme structures, admission requirements and immigration rules can change. Students should verify the final details directly with the university and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada before making an application or financial commitment.