Service Agreement (General)

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Service Agreement (General) Page of
Page of

GENERAL SERVICE AGREEMENT

THIS GENERAL SERVICE AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is dated this ________ day of ________________, ________.

Client

____________________________________________________
(the "Client")

Contractor

____________________________________________________
(the "Contractor")
  1. BACKGROUND
  2. The Client is of the opinion that the Contractor has the necessary qualifications, experience and abilities to provide services to the Client.
  3. The Contractor is agreeable to providing such services to the Client on the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement.

IN CONSIDERATION OF the matters described above and of the mutual benefits and obligations set forth in this Agreement, the receipt and sufficiency of which consideration is hereby acknowledged, the Client and the Contractor (individually the "Party" and collectively the "Parties" to this Agreement) agree as follows:

  1. Services Provided
  2. The Client hereby agrees to engage the Contractor to provide the Client with the following services (the "Services"):
    • _______________________________________________________________
      _______________________________________________________________.

  3. The Services will also include any other tasks which the Parties may agree on. The Contractor hereby agrees to provide such Services to the Client.
  4. Term of Agreement
  5. The term of this Agreement (the "Term") will begin on the date of this Agreement and will remain in full force and effect until the completion of the Services, subject to earlier termination as provided in this Agreement. The Term may be extended with the written consent of the Parties.
  6. Performance
  7. The Parties agree to do everything necessary to ensure that the terms of this Agreement take effect.
  8. Currency
  9. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all monetary amounts referred to in this Agreement are in CAD (Canadian Dollars).
  10. Compensation
  11. The Contractor will charge the Client a flat fee of $__________ for the Services (the "Compensation").
  12. The Contractor will invoice the Client when the Services are complete.
  13. Invoices submitted by the Contractor to the Client are due within 30 days of receipt.
  14. Reimbursement of Expenses
  15. The Contractor will be reimbursed from time to time for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by the Contractor in connection with providing the Services.
  16. All expenses must be pre-approved by the Client.
  17. Confidentiality
  18. Confidential information (the "Confidential Information") refers to any data or information relating to the Client, whether business or personal, which would reasonably be considered to be private or proprietary to the Client and that is not generally known and where the release of that Confidential Information could reasonably be expected to cause harm to the Client.
  19. The Contractor agrees that they will not disclose, divulge, reveal, report or use, for any purpose, any Confidential Information which the Contractor has obtained, except as authorized by the Client or as required by law. The obligations of confidentiality will apply during the Term and will survive indefinitely upon termination of this Agreement.
  20. All written and oral information and material disclosed or provided by the Client to the Contractor under this Agreement is Confidential Information regardless of whether it was provided before or after the date of this Agreement or how it was provided to the Contractor.
  21. Ownership of Intellectual Property
  22. All intellectual property and related material, including any trade secrets, moral rights, goodwill, relevant registrations or applications for registration, and rights in any patent, copyright, trademark, trade dress, industrial design and trade name (the "Intellectual Property") that is developed or produced under this Agreement, will be the sole property of the Client. The use of the Intellectual Property by the Client will not be restricted in any manner.
  23. The Contractor may not use the Intellectual Property for any purpose other than that contracted for in this Agreement except with the written consent of the Client. The Contractor will be responsible for any and all damages resulting from the unauthorized use of the Intellectual Property.
  24. Return of Property
  25. Upon the expiry or termination of this Agreement, the Contractor will return to the Client any property, documentation, records, or Confidential Information which is the property of the Client.
  26. Capacity/Independent Contractor
  27. In providing the Services under this Agreement it is expressly agreed that the Contractor is acting as an independent contractor and not as an employee. The Contractor and the Client acknowledge that this Agreement does not create a partnership or joint venture between them, and is exclusively a contract for service.
  28. Right of Substitution
  29. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Contractor may, at the Contractor's absolute discretion, engage a third party sub-contractor to perform some or all of the obligations of the Contractor under this Agreement and the Client will not hire or engage any third parties to assist with the provision of the Services.
  30. In the event that the Contractor hires a sub-contractor:
    • the Contractor will pay the sub-contractor for its services and the Compensation will remain payable by the Client to the Contractor.
    • for the purposes of the indemnification clause of this Agreement, the sub-contractor is an agent of the Contractor.
  31. Autonomy
  32. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Contractor will have full control over working time, methods, and decision making in relation to provision of the Services in accordance with the Agreement. The Contractor will work autonomously and not at the direction of the Client. However, the Contractor will be responsive to the reasonable needs and concerns of the Client.
  33. Equipment
  34. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Contractor will provide at the Contractor’s own expense, any and all tools, machinery, equipment, raw materials, supplies, workwear and any other items or parts necessary to deliver the Services in accordance with the Agreement.
  35. No Exclusivity
  36. The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is non-exclusive and that either Party will be free, during and after the Term, to engage or contract with third parties for the provision of services similar to the Services.
  37. Notice
  38. All notices, requests, demands or other communications required or permitted by the terms of this Agreement will be given in writing and delivered to the Parties at the following addresses:
    • ______________________
      ______________________________
    • ______________________
      ______________________________

    or to such other address as either Party may from time to time notify the other.

  39. Indemnification
  40. Except to the extent paid in settlement from any applicable insurance policies, and to the extent permitted by applicable law, each Party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the other Party, and its respective affiliates, officers, agents, employees, and permitted successors and assigns against any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, penalties, punitive damages, expenses, reasonable legal fees and costs of any kind or amount whatsoever, which result from or arise out of any act or omission of the indemnifying party, its respective affiliates, officers, agents, employees, and permitted successors and assigns that occurs in connection with this Agreement. This indemnification will survive the termination of this Agreement.
  41. Modification of Agreement
  42. Any amendment or modification of this Agreement or additional obligation assumed by either Party in connection with this Agreement will only be binding if evidenced in writing signed by each Party or an authorized representative of each Party.
  43. Time of the Essence
  44. Time is of the essence in this Agreement. No extension or variation of this Agreement will operate as a waiver of this provision.
  45. Assignment
  46. The Contractor will not voluntarily, or by operation of law, assign or otherwise transfer its obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Client.
  47. Entire Agreement
  48. It is agreed that there is no representation, warranty, collateral agreement or condition affecting this Agreement except as expressly provided in this Agreement.
  49. Enurement
  50. This Agreement will enure to the benefit of and be binding on the Parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators and permitted successors and assigns.
  51. Titles/Headings
  52. Headings are inserted for the convenience of the Parties only and are not to be considered when interpreting this Agreement.
  53. Gender
  54. Words in the singular mean and include the plural and vice versa. Words in the masculine mean and include the feminine and vice versa.
  55. Governing Law
  56. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Alberta.
  57. Severability
  58. In the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement are held to be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part, all other provisions will nevertheless continue to be valid and enforceable with the invalid or unenforceable parts severed from the remainder of this Agreement.
  59. Waiver
  60. The waiver by either Party of a breach, default, delay or omission of any of the provisions of this Agreement by the other Party will not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or other provisions.
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Service Agreement (General) Page of
©2002-2026 LawDepot.ca®
Last Updated February 12, 2026

What is a Service Agreement?

A Service Agreement is a legally binding contract that defines the terms of a working relationship between a service provider and a client, outlining the scope of work, payment details, responsibilities, and timelines. 

Its main purpose is to set clear expectations, help prevent disputes, and provide a legal framework to address issues that may arise during the project or ongoing services.

A Service Agreement is also known as a professional services contract or a General Service Agreement.

Key benefits of a written Service Agreement

A well‑written Service Agreement helps set clear expectations, reduce risk, and create a solid foundation for professional working relationships.

  • Clarity on terms: Defines the scope of work, timelines, fees, and payment schedules so both parties understand their responsibilities.
  • Reduced legal and financial risk: Outlines liability, termination rights, and remedies in the event of issues, helping prevent disputes.
  • Better performance management: Establishes clear standards for service quality and provides a framework for monitoring progress and resolving problems.
  • Protection of IP and confidentiality: Specifies ownership of work products and protects confidential or personal information in accordance with privacy laws.
  • Professionalism and enforceability: While an unwritten contract can still be valid, a written Service Agreement clarifies the terms and makes them easier to prove, strengthening credibility and trust between the client and service provider.

Key components of a Service Agreement

A well-drafted Service Agreement includes several core sections that define the working relationship and protect both parties. These components ensure the contract is clear, enforceable, and tailored to the project.

  • Parties and location: Identifies the service provider and client, along with the province or territory where the work will occur.
  • Scope of work and duration: Describes the specific service details, project goals, and length of the engagement.
  • Fees and payment terms: Details the fee structure, payment schedule, deposit (if any), taxes, and late payment terms.
  • Expenses and intellectual property: Defines how expenses are reimbursed and who owns any work or materials created during the project.
  • Confidentiality and termination: Covers privacy expectations and conditions for ending the agreement.
  • Signing details: Outlines how and when the agreement will be signed, and whether witnesses are required.

Common use cases for a Service Agreement

A written Service Agreement is essential when the services requested by the client are ongoing or complex, or when confidential business information will be shared. It helps protect both parties and clearly defines the working relationship, especially in the following use cases:

Professional and freelance services

Service Agreements are widely used by consultants, freelancers, and other professionals who provide project-based or specialized services. Common examples include business or IT consulting, graphic design, writing, photography, and coaching or training services.

Trades, maintenance, and technical services

Contractors and tradespeople often use a Service Agreement to define the scope, pricing, and timelines for work like renovations, repairs, landscaping, cleaning, or IT support. These agreements help clarify expectations and reduce the risk of disputes.

Business support and operations

Businesses rely on Service Agreements when outsourcing administrative tasks, marketing work, or operational support. Typical situations include bookkeeping, virtual assistance, social media management, and customer service contracts.

Personal and consumer services

Individuals may use a Service Agreement for personal or home-based services, such as tutoring, fitness training, or home organization. This helps confirm key details like payment terms, scheduling, and cancellation policies.

Which service providers should use a Service Agreement template?

A Service Agreement template is useful for almost any business or individual offering services for a fee, or for any clients seeking to hire service providers, including those in these categories:

Professional and creative providers

Professionals who deliver specialized or creative work benefit from a Service Agreement to clearly define project scope and payment terms. This includes:

Creative service providers should also consider using a  Model Release Form when using a person’s image or likeness in their work.

Trades, technical, and facility service providers

Service providers in hands‑on or technical fields use Service Agreements to manage logistics, liability, and quality standards. Common examples include:

  • Tradespeople and contractors (plumbers, electricians, HVAC, renovation companies)
  • IT support and managed‑services provider
  • Cleaning
  • Construction, maintenance, landscaping, and security companies

Business support and regulated professionals

When services involve ongoing client relationships or compliance obligations, a written Service Agreement adds protection and clarity. This category includes:

  • Bookkeepers, virtual assistants, and customer‑service providers
  • Accountants, real‑estate professionals, and other regulated practitioners
  • Child care
  • Catering

How to write a Service Agreement

Follow these steps to complete the LawDepot Service Agreement questionnaire from start to finish:

  1. Start and duration: Choose how long the services will last—until work is complete, ongoing, or until a specific date. If you pick a set end date, enter it exactly as stated in any proposal or quote when prompted.
  2. Governing law and jurisdiction: Select the province or territory whose laws will apply—typically where the services are performed, or the provider is based.
  3. Party details: Enter the legal names and contact details for both the service provider and the client. Indicate whether each is an individual or a business so the agreement uses the correct legal wording and signature format.
  4. Service description and scope: Be clear and specific when describing the services, frequency, and deliverables, and list any inclusions or exclusions. Add any special tools, materials, or key details needed to complete the work.
  5. Location and method of service: Specify where the services will take place—at the client’s site, provider’s address, remotely, or another location. If services are remote, note the online tools or platforms used.
  6. Payment terms and expenses: Select the payment structure (fixed, hourly, or recurring), and enter the amount, billing schedule, and due date. Add any deposit or late‑payment terms, and decide whether expenses are non‑reimbursable, pre‑approved, or fully reimbursable.
  7. Termination and risk allocation: Set the conditions for ending the agreement, including notice periods or immediate termination for non‑payment or breach. Choose any limits on liability and specify whether one or both parties will provide indemnity protection.
  8. Intellectual property and confidentiality: Indicate who owns the completed work and whether the provider retains rights to pre‑existing materials. Include confidentiality terms outlining what information is protected and how long those obligations last.
  9. Final details: Enter any additional clauses, signing date, and if witnesses are going to be present.

Service Agreement FAQs

Are Service Agreements legally binding?

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Yes, a Service Agreement is generally a legally binding contract as long as it meets the key legal requirements for enforceability. These include offer and acceptance, consideration, mutual intent to create legal relations, legality of purpose, and the legal capacity of both parties.

Do you need an attorney to draft a Service Agreement?

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As long as the contract includes the essential legal elements, it can be valid and enforceable. However, it’s best to consult a lawyer if your agreement is complex, high‑value, or involves unique risks that may require tailored legal language.

What's the difference between a Service Agreement and an Independent Contractor Agreement

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A Service Agreement is a general contract used when one party provides services to another, whether for a one-time project or ongoing work. It covers the key business terms—such as scope, pricing, and deliverables—without focusing on the worker’s employment status.

Meanwhile, an Independent Contractor Agreementis a more specific type of Service Agreement designed to confirm that the worker is self‑employed rather than an employee. It includes clauses that clarify control, tools, tax obligations, and contractor independence to reduce misclassification risk under employment and tax laws. 

It’s important to note that the CRA will assess the actuality of the relationship and not just the wording of the contract in determining whether a worker is in fact an employee or a contractor.

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