Can I leave a negative review for a contractor without getting sued?

Yes, you can leave negative reviews for contractors in Ottawa without getting sued, as long as your review is truthful, factual, and based on your actual experience. Canadian law protects honest consumer reviews under freedom of expression, but there are important guidelines to follow.

What Makes a Review Legally Protected

Your review is protected when it's based on facts and your genuine experience. Stick to describing what actually happened: "The contractor was three weeks late completing the work" rather than "This contractor is always late." Document everything during your project - photos, emails, contracts, and receipts - as this evidence supports your review if challenged.

In Ontario, truth is an absolute defense against defamation claims. If you can prove what you wrote actually happened, you're protected. Focus on specific incidents, dates, and measurable impacts rather than emotional language or personal attacks.

Red Lines to Avoid

Never make statements you can't prove, especially about a contractor's character, business practices with other clients, or their qualifications unless you have documentation. Avoid words like "scam," "fraud," or "criminal" unless there's been an actual conviction. Don't speculate about their motives or make broad generalizations about their entire business.

Personal attacks, discriminatory language, or threats cross the line from protected review into potential defamation. Stick to the work quality, timeline, communication, and your overall experience.

Ottawa-Specific Considerations

Many Ottawa contractors are small businesses that rely heavily on online reputation. While this doesn't change your right to leave honest reviews, it does mean they may be more sensitive to negative feedback. Some contractors may send cease-and-desist letters to intimidate homeowners, but these letters don't have legal force if your review is truthful.

The City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) keeps records of permit violations and failed inspections, which can support your review if the contractor did unpermitted work or failed inspections. ESA (esasafe.com) and TSSA (tssa.org) also maintain complaint records that can back up your claims about electrical or gas work issues.

Best Practices for Protected Reviews

Write your review when emotions have cooled and you can be factual. Include specific details: "Bathroom renovation took 8 weeks instead of promised 4 weeks, left gaps around tub that leaked into kitchen below." Mention if permits weren't pulled when required, if the contractor wasn't properly licensed, or if they didn't carry WSIB coverage.

Focus on the impact: missed deadlines, additional costs you incurred, quality issues that needed correction. If you have photos of poor workmanship or documentation of problems, reference them in your review.

Where to Leave Reviews Safely

Google Reviews, HomeStars, and Better Business Bureau are established platforms with policies protecting honest reviews. These platforms have legal resources to defend against frivolous lawsuits and procedures for handling disputes.

If You're Threatened

If a contractor threatens to sue over your honest review, don't panic or immediately remove it. Many threats are empty intimidation tactics. Document the threat and consider consulting with a lawyer if the contractor actually files a lawsuit, but remember that truth is your defense.

The Ontario Consumer Protection Act also provides some protection for consumers sharing their experiences, and the province has been moving toward stronger anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) legislation to protect consumer reviews.

Your honest experience helps other Ottawa homeowners make informed decisions - just keep it factual, specific, and based on what actually happened during your project.