In both Canada and Quebec, it is possible—for the sake of speed—to choose a numeric designation (referred to as a registration number in lieu of a corporate name in federal jurisdiction). This choice eliminates the need to research the availability of the selected name (referred to as corporate name in federal jurisdiction), which can then be legally used by the corporation to be incorporated and will not cause confusion with that of an existing corporation; indeed, if confusion arises regarding the chosen name, the corporation may be required to change it and adopt another name.
Whether at the request of the founders or of the corporation itself, the Registrar of Enterprises may assign a numerical designation to the corporation to serve as its name.
However, with respect to federal jurisdiction, the Director of Corporations Canada may order corporations with a registration number to adopt a different corporate name, in accordance with the applicable provisions of federal law.