Multilateral agreement
A multilateral agreement is an agreement among three or more parties. The term is most often used for treaties among several countries, such as trade agreements, but private contracts can also be multilateral, for example a shareholders agreement signed by several shareholders and the company.
How BC law treats it
Private multilateral contracts follow ordinary contract law. International treaties bind Canada as a state but generally have domestic legal effect only once implemented by legislation.
What it means for your business
In multiparty business deals, the agreement should say whether obligations are joint, several or both, and how decisions and amendments are made.
Risks and common mistakes
An amendment signed by only some of the parties may not bind the others, leaving the agreement uncertain.
For the full explanation, see our entry on Contract.
General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.
