What government agencies can help with contractor complaints in Ontario?

In Ontario, several government agencies can help with contractor complaints, with the specific agency depending on your type of issue and the work involved.

Consumer Protection Ontario

The Ontario government's main consumer protection agency handles most contractor disputes through their Consumer Protection Branch. You can file complaints about unfair business practices, contract issues, or failure to complete work. Contact them at 1-800-889-9768 or file online at ontario.ca/consumer. They investigate complaints and can order restitution, though they don't handle court enforcement.

Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)

For gas, propane, heating, ventilation, or pressure vessel work, TSSA regulates contractors and can investigate safety violations or unlicensed work. If your contractor did gas work without proper certification or created safety hazards, contact TSSA at 1-877-682-8772. They can inspect work, order corrections, and penalize contractors who violate safety codes.

Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)

All electrical work in Ontario falls under ESA jurisdiction. If your contractor did electrical work without permits, failed ESA inspections, or created electrical hazards, contact ESA at 1-877-372-7233. They can investigate unlicensed electrical work and require corrections to meet Ontario Electrical Safety Code standards.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

If your contractor was injured on your property and didn't have proper WSIB coverage, or if they used workers without coverage, contact WSIB at 1-800-387-0750. This protects you from liability and ensures proper worker protection compliance.

City of Ottawa Building Code Services

For permit violations, work not matching approved plans, or building code non-compliance, contact Ottawa's Building Code Services at 613-580-2424. City inspectors can order work stoppage, require corrections, or issue compliance orders for work that doesn't meet Ontario Building Code standards.

What Each Agency Can Do

Consumer Protection Ontario mediates disputes and can order refunds or completion of work. TSSA and ESA focus on safety compliance and can require work corrections. WSIB handles workplace injury liability. The City enforces building permits and code compliance.

Before Filing Complaints

Document everything: contracts, photos, correspondence, and payments made. Try resolving directly with the contractor first, as agencies often require evidence you attempted resolution. Keep records of all communication attempts.

For complex disputes involving multiple issues, you may need to contact several agencies. Each handles their specific regulatory area, so a kitchen renovation dispute might involve Consumer Protection (contract issues), ESA (electrical work), and City of Ottawa (permits).