Is there a contractor licensing board I can complain to in Ontario?

In Ontario, there is no single contractor licensing board, but you have several official complaint options depending on your specific issue and the type of contractor involved.

Electrical Contractors - ESA (Electrical Safety Authority)

If your complaint involves electrical work, contact the ESA at 1-877-372-7233. The ESA regulates all electrical contractors in Ontario and can investigate complaints about:

• Unlicensed electrical work
• Code violations
• Safety issues
• Licensed Electrical Contractors (LECs) who performed substandard work

You can file complaints online at esasafe.com or by calling their consumer line. The ESA has enforcement powers and can issue orders, fines, or suspend licenses.

Gas/HVAC Contractors - TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority)

For gas fitting, propane, or certain HVAC work, contact TSSA at 1-877-682-8772. They regulate gas technicians (G1, G2 licenses) and can investigate complaints about unsafe installations or unlicensed work. File complaints at tssa.org.

General Contractors - Multiple Options

Since Ontario doesn't license general contractors, your complaint routes depend on the specific issue:

Consumer Protection Ontario (1-800-889-9768) handles complaints about:

• Contract disputes


• Misleading advertising


• Unfair business practices


• Home improvement scams

Better Business Bureau provides mediation services and maintains complaint records that help other consumers make informed decisions.

Small Claims Court (up to $35,000 in Ontario) for breach of contract, poor workmanship, or financial disputes.

Ottawa-Specific Resources

The City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) can investigate complaints about:

• Work done without required permits
• Code violations discovered during inspections
• Contractors who pulled permits but didn't complete work properly

What Information to Provide

When filing any complaint, gather:

• Contractor's full business name and address
• License numbers (ESA, TSSA, WSIB)
• Copies of contracts, estimates, and correspondence
• Photos of problematic work
• Timeline of events

Prevention is Key

Before hiring, always verify licenses through esasafe.com (electrical) or tssa.org (gas), check WSIB clearance certificates, and get detailed written contracts. The lack of general contractor licensing in Ontario makes proper vetting crucial upfront.

For serious safety issues or fraud, also contact your local police or the Ontario Provincial Police Anti-Rackets Branch at 1-888-310-1122.