2 - How can I find a registrar?
Registrants have access to a full list of certified registrars' names and their Web addresses on this site.

3 - What is the nature of the relationship between registrars and CIRA?
The relationship between registrars and CIRA will be that of independent contractors as defined in the standard Registrar Agreement signed by CIRA and each registrar. This Agreement will be for an initial one-year term, unless otherwise terminated, and may be extended for successive periods of one year upon re-certification of the registrar by CIRA.

4 - Whose responsibility is it to manage the relationship with registrants (.ca domain name holders)?
In accordance with CIRA's Minimum Services Guidelines, which are part of the Certification and Re-certification Requirements available in the Procedures, Policies and Certification Requirements for Registrars document, registrars will be responsible for providing all customer service, billing and technical support and other necessary services to registrants. This will include advising the registrants of the status of such services from time to time, in order to enable registrants to register domain names and to renew, maintain, modify or transfer domain name registrations in the .ca registry.

5 - What is the nature of the relationship between registrars and applicants/registrants?
A registrar must enter into a contract with an applicant/registrant on whose behalf it acts. The terms and conditions of this contract/agreement are at the discretion of the registrar provided they include the minimum contractual terms outlined in CIRA's agreement with the registrar.

6 - Who sets the fees for CIRA-Certified registrars?
All certified registrars pay the same fee to CIRA for registering a domain name. The minimum period for new registrations will be for one year and the cost to the registrar is currently set at $20, plus applicable taxes, for this one-year registration. Registrars are then free to set their own pricing policy.

It is, however, important to note that CIRA has set up a competitive registrar system whereby there is no limit to the number of registrars it will certify. It is expected that this competitive environment will keep prices reasonable. Registrants are therefore invited to "shop around" for the registrar that best suits their needs.

7 - Why does CIRA have to charge Registrars fees for domain name registrations?
There are two factors that explain why CIRA has to charge fees for registering domain names:

a) A majority of the .ca user community wanted a professionally operated real-time registry. This is what CIRA was tasked with implementing. This implies ongoing costs for staff, offices, equipment and overhead.

b) As per the Transition Agreement between UBC and CIRA that has been made public, CIRA has agreed to compensate UBC for its efforts in developing the .ca registry over the past 12 years in an amount of $4,348,800 to be paid out over the next few years.

8 - How can a registration be transferred from one registrar to another?
To transfer a registration, a registrant must select a new certified registrar. The new registrar will initiate the request with CIRA on behalf of the registrant. The request must be confirmed by the registrant in accordance with CIRA's registration rules. CIRA will charge the new registrar a fee pursuant to the Fee Schedule for a change of registrar. CIRA will extend the registration period for the registration by one year. The old registrar is permitted to charge the registrant an administrative fee, which cannot exceed $20.00 irrespective of the number of registrations.

9 - How does one modify the registration information contained in the WHOIS?
As per the registration rules, registrants should request modifications from their certified registrar.