Crown corporation

Crown corporation (French: Société de la Couronne) is the term used in Canada for organizations that are structured like private companies, but are directly and wholly owned by the government. Crown corporations have a long-standing presence in the country, and have a significant economic impact, with commercial operations equivalent to 7% of Canadian GDP.

Crown corporations are created to advance government policy objectives. Often they provide services to the public that are not economically viable for a private enterprise, or that do not fit exactly within the scope of any ministry. They represent a form of state-owned enterprise.

Crown corporations are established by an act of parliament or an act of a provincial legislature. Federal government Crowns report to the relevant minister in Cabinet, though they are "shielded from constant government intervention and legislative oversight" and thus "generally enjoy greater freedom from direct political control than government departments."

As of 2022, there were 47 federal Crown corporations in Canada. Provinces operate their own Crown corporations independently of the federal government.

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