If you require a laptop and they don't provide one then there can be a tax benefit to you (consult a tax expert). If you use your own laptop then they have less control over it. Potentially none. If you have one available and like it and they don't require you to install their corporate malware then that might be a bonus. If they do require you to install their corporate malware then that would be a huge issue for me.
On the other hand, I can't imagine a consulting firm not providing required equipment to their employees. As a client I would be very "sus" of such a situation.
I've been in this position. Even though they don't own it they may try to exert control (install Windows or you'll be fired, which is what effectively happened to me).
Make them supply you with the equipment. Do not use your own.
Under Canadian tax laws you can only claim consumables.
"The basis is that you can only claim what you use in the year. No office equipment like computer, desk, chair, printer, lamp is eligible; since you can sell the computer, desk, chairs later on, you cannot claim their expense nor their depreciation."
FYI, I'm not a Tax Expert (but paying for one...) and working remotely for a consulting company.
yeah, they provided me a shit with 8gb of ram, i need at least 16 , but i prefer with 32, so i simple said that ill use one of my laptop. and yeah i should install vpn stuff, but no other shit, just the vpn for security reason.
So where I would be more concerned is with _clients_ and their security requirements. Often we would run into really onerous requirements at my last consulting firm, so we would often get a laptop from the client themselves they could control and manage access to code, etc.
Otherwise you probably open yourself to all kinds of liabilities I wouldn't want to deal with.
On the other hand, I can't imagine a consulting firm not providing required equipment to their employees. As a client I would be very "sus" of such a situation.