How do I report a contractor to their licensing body?

In Ottawa and Ontario, you report contractors to different licensing bodies depending on their trade - ESA for electrical, TSSA for gas/HVAC, and provincial authorities for general contractors.

Electrical Contractors (ESA Reporting)

For electrical work issues, contact the Electrical Safety Authority:

• Phone: 1-877-372-7233


• Online: File complaints at esasafe.com


• What ESA handles: Unlicensed electrical work, safety violations, permit issues, faulty installations

ESA takes these complaints seriously since electrical safety is their mandate. They can investigate, issue orders, and revoke licenses for serious violations.

Gas and HVAC Contractors (TSSA Reporting)

For gas fitting or HVAC issues, contact the Technical Standards and Safety Authority:

• Phone: 1-877-682-8772


• Online: tssa.org complaint portal


• What TSSA handles: Unlicensed gas work, unsafe installations, certification violations

TSSA has enforcement powers and can shut down unsafe work immediately.

General Contractors and Other Trades

Ontario doesn't have a single licensing body for general contractors, but you have several options:

Consumer Protection Ontario:

• Phone: 1-800-889-9768


• Online: ontario.ca/consumer


• Handles contract disputes, fraud, misleading advertising

Better Business Bureau:

• File complaints at bbb.org


• Helps mediate disputes and tracks complaint patterns

Ministry of Government and Consumer Services:

• For serious fraud or criminal activity


• Can refer to police if needed

What Information to Include

When filing any complaint, gather:

• Contractor's full business name and license numbers


• Detailed description of the problem


• Photos of poor workmanship or safety issues


• Copies of contracts, permits, and correspondence


• Timeline of events


• Financial losses or safety concerns

City of Ottawa Building Code Violations

If the work violates Ottawa's building code:

• Contact: City of Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424


• They can issue stop-work orders and require corrections


• Serious violations can result in fines

WSIB Issues

If a contractor doesn't have proper WSIB coverage:

• Phone: 1-800-387-0750


• Online: wsib.ca


• This protects you from liability if workers are injured

Before You Report

Try resolving the issue directly first - many problems stem from miscommunication. Document everything and give the contractor a reasonable chance to fix legitimate concerns. However, don't hesitate to report safety violations or unlicensed work immediately.

The licensing bodies take these reports seriously because protecting consumers and maintaining trade standards is their core mission. Your complaint could prevent other Ottawa homeowners from experiencing similar problems.