What is the difference between a contractor and a tradesperson?

In Ottawa's construction industry, a contractor is the business entity that manages projects and hires workers, while a tradesperson is the skilled individual who performs the actual hands-on work.

Understanding this distinction is crucial when hiring for your Ottawa home project because it affects licensing, insurance, and your legal protections.

Contractors in Ottawa

A contractor is a business (incorporated company, partnership, or sole proprietorship) that takes on construction projects. They're responsible for:

• Obtaining building permits through the City of Ottawa (613-580-2424)
• Carrying WSIB coverage for all workers
• Maintaining general liability insurance ($2 million minimum recommended)
• Managing the entire project timeline and coordination
• Hiring and supervising tradespeople
• Ensuring all work meets Ontario Building Code requirements

In Ontario, contractors don't need a general license, but they must be properly insured and registered for business. Always verify their WSIB clearance certificate at wsib.ca/clearances and confirm their insurance coverage.

Tradespeople in Ottawa

Tradespeople are the skilled workers who perform specific tasks. In Ontario, many trades require provincial certification:

Licensed Trades (require certification):

• Electricians must hold ESA licenses (verify at esasafe.com/contractor-locator)


• Gas technicians need TSSA G1/G2 certification (check at tssa.org)


• Plumbers require Ontario certification through skilled trades


• HVAC technicians need appropriate TSSA certifications

Non-licensed Trades:

• Carpenters, painters, drywallers, flooring installers typically don't require provincial licenses in Ontario, though they may have voluntary certifications

How This Affects Your Ottawa Project

When hiring, you might work with:

A General Contractor who manages everything and hires certified tradespeople as needed

Specialized Trade Contractors (like electrical contractors who are both the business AND hold ESA licenses)

Individual Tradespeople working as sole proprietors

What to Verify in Ottawa

For any contractor or tradesperson:

• WSIB clearance certificate (current)


• General liability insurance


• Specific trade licenses where required (ESA for electrical, TSSA for gas)


• Business registration in Ontario


• References from recent Ottawa-area projects

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if someone claims to be a "licensed contractor" in Ontario - there's no general contractor license here. They should have business registration, insurance, and any trade-specific licenses for the work they're performing.

For electrical work specifically, only Licensed Electrical Contractors (LECs) can pull ESA permits in Ottawa. A general contractor can coordinate electrical work, but they must hire a properly licensed electrician.

The key is ensuring whoever you hire - contractor or tradesperson - has the proper credentials, insurance, and legal standing to perform work on your Ottawa home safely and to code.