1. Am I required to collect GST?

Only if your gross business income is over $30,000 a year.  Please refer to the Canada Revenue Agency for more information on your legal obligations in this regard.

CRA small business and self-employed information kit. 

2. What information should be included on my receipts?

Your full name, clinic name and address, your MTAS registration number and your signature.  Also the date of treatment, client's name and a description of the treatment provided and the amount paid.
We recommend that you purchase a rubber stamp with your clinic, name and MTAS number, for clarity.

3. Is there a way for me to advertise a job posting or item/business for sale?

There are two opportunities for advertising with MTAS.

1. E-mail notice - send us an e-mail (to mtas@saskmassagetherapy.com) with your exact ad text.  This will usually go out the day of receipt, or the next business day.   Member rate: $42 incl. GST; non-member rate: $85 incl. GST.

2. Website - send us an e-mail with your exact ad text.  This will usually be posted the day of receipt, or the next business day.  Website ads run for two months from the date of posting.  Member rate: $70 incl. GST; non-member rate: $100 incl. GST.

4. Who owns the files in a clinic?

The client/patient owns his or her own file information, it is not the property of either the clinic or the therapist.

5. I don't have a written agreement. What happens to my client files if I move to a different clinic?

If you wish to take copies of client files with you, you must get written permission from each client to do so.  A simple release form will suffice.  Once this permission is recorded in the client file, you are entitled to take a photocopy (at your own expense) of the client file, however the original file remains in the clinic.  (This information is taken from HIPA and PIPEDA.)

6. Gift certificates.

Effective November 10th, 2008, all prepaid purchase cards, including gift cards/certificates, bought or sold in Saskatchewan may no longer have an expiry date.

Questions and Answers - The Consumer Protection Amendment Act, 2008 (Gift Cards)

Q. Does the legislation regulating gift cards apply to cards purchased before November 10, 2008?
A. The new rules apply to gift cards and gift certificates purchased on or after November 10, 2008.

Q. Are there any exceptions to the rule that gift cards and gift certificates cannot have an expiry date?
A. An expiry date is allowed for a gift card or gift certificate that is issued for charitable purposes or where the consumer has provided nothing of value for the card.

Q. Are there any exceptions to the rule that there can be no fees charged for gift cards?
A. Fees are allowed where a card is issued for charitable purposes or the consumer has provided nothing of value for the card. Fees are also allowed to customize a gift card or gift certificate or to replace a lost or stolen card.

Q. Do these rules apply to telephone cards?
A. Our goal is to have our consumer protection legislation apply as broadly as possible. We are reviewing the issue to determine the extent of our jurisdiction in this area.

Q. What if a consumer buys a card that has an expiry date?
A. Many retailers currently have a stock of cards that show an expiry date. They can sell the cards they already have, even if they show an expiry date. But the expiry date cannot be enforced on cards bought on or after November 10, 2008. We suggest that consumers keep their receipts as these show the purchase date. We encourage businesses selling a gift card after November 10, 2008, to advise customers that any expiry date on the card does not apply.

Q. Where can I go if I have a gift card or gift certificate and the business is not complying with these rules?
A. You can contact the Consumer Protection Branch, of the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General at:

Consumer Protection Branch
Suite 500, 1919 Saskatchewan Drive
Regina, SK. S4P 4H2
Phone: (306) 787-5550 Fax: (306) 787-9779 Toll Free: 1-888-374-4636