How do I find minority-owned or women-owned contractors in Ottawa?

Finding minority-owned and women-owned contractors in Ottawa requires a combination of specialized directories, industry associations, and verification of their proper licensing through ESA, TSSA, and City of Ottawa systems.

The City of Ottawa doesn't maintain a specific minority or women-owned contractor database, but several organizations can help you connect with diverse contractors while ensuring they meet all Ontario licensing requirements.

Key Resources for Diverse Contractors

Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) maintains a directory of certified minority-owned businesses, including construction contractors operating in the Ottawa area. Their certification process verifies both business ownership and operational capacity.

WEConnect Canada specifically certifies women-owned businesses and has construction contractors in their Ottawa network. They require businesses to be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by women.

Ottawa Board of Trade maintains member directories that often include diversity information, and many minority and women-owned contractors participate in their networking events and procurement opportunities.

Government Procurement Programs

The Government of Canada's Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business includes construction contractors, and many of these businesses also work on residential projects. Indigenous Services Canada maintains contractor lists for the Ottawa region.

Ontario's Social Procurement Initiative encourages diverse supplier participation, and while focused on government contracts, many participating contractors also do residential work.

Verification Steps (Critical for Any Contractor)

Regardless of ownership, every contractor in Ottawa must have proper licensing:

For Electrical Work: Verify their Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) status at esasafe.com/contractor-locator or call ESA at 1-877-372-7233.

For Gas/HVAC Work: Check TSSA certification at tssa.org for G1/G2 technicians.

WSIB Coverage: Verify current clearance certificate at wsib.ca/clearances - this protects you from liability.

City of Ottawa Business License: Confirm they're registered to work in Ottawa by calling 311 or checking ottawa.ca.

What to Look For in Quotes

When comparing contractors, ensure each quote includes:

• Detailed scope of work specific to your project


• Timeline with permit application periods (Ottawa permits take 10-25 business days typically)


• Clear payment schedule (never pay large amounts upfront)


• Proof of insurance and WSIB coverage


• ESA/TSSA permit responsibilities clearly stated

Red Flags to Avoid

Be cautious of any contractor - regardless of background - who:

• Requests full payment upfront


• Cannot provide current WSIB clearance


• Lacks proper ESA or TSSA licensing for electrical/gas work


• Won't provide local references from recent Ottawa projects


• Pressures you to sign immediately

Building Relationships

Many diverse contractors in Ottawa are smaller operations that rely on referrals. Ask at local community centers, cultural associations, and through professional networks. The Ottawa Construction Association can also provide referrals to member contractors.

For verified contractors in our network: Check our contractor directory at ottawaconstructionnetwork.com/directory where we list properly licensed professionals serving Ottawa and surrounding areas like Kanata, Orleans, Barrhaven, and Nepean.

Remember: diversity in hiring is valuable, but never compromise on proper licensing, insurance, and permits. A good contractor will welcome your verification of their credentials and understand it protects both parties.