Joint and several partnerships

"Joint and several partnership" is not a type of business structure in BC. The phrase usually refers to the liability of partners in a general partnership. BC recognizes general partnerships, limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships, each with different rules on partners' personal liability.

How BC law treats it

Under s. 11 of the Partnership Act, RSBC 1996 c 348, partners in a general partnership are jointly liable for the firm's debts and obligations incurred while they are partners, and under s. 14 they are jointly and severally liable for the firm's liability for a partner's wrongful acts and misapplication of money or property (ss. 12 and 13). Limited partners are generally liable only to the extent of their contribution unless they take part in management (s. 64), and LLP partners have a liability shield under s. 104 that does not cover their own negligence or wrongful acts, or those of others they knew of and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent.

What it means for your business

Partners in a BC general partnership put their personal assets at risk for the firm's debts.

Risks and common mistakes

Operating a business with others without forming a company or limited partnership can create a general partnership and unlimited personal liability without anyone intending it.

For the full explanation, see our entry on General partnership.

General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.