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8 Canadian consumer protection resources that every homeowner needs to know about

Consumer Protection

Homeowners are getting scammed all the time. Renovation projects constantly go awry in the news. But do you know how to protect yourself as a homeowner in the consumer marketplace? Do you know what to do if your home improvement project doesn't go according to plan?

The reality is that homeowners are consumers because they make transactions in the marketplace. So, how does one protect themselves?

You'll find various resources in this article to help you answer various questions including:

  • How do homeowners report small (or big) contracting businesses?
  • What are a homeowners' rights as a consumer when it comes time to sign a contract?
  • How should a homeowner handle a bad renovation project?

Did you know that your province has consumer protection measures already set in place to protect you? Find out what they are according to your Province or Territory.

Have you hired a great contractor, or a bad one? Please write a contractor review about them today to help your community make the right hiring decisions!

Make note of some these nation-wide and federal consumer protection resources below:

Additional advice: Don't forget to seek guidance from your municipality. They may have information on past consumer complaints and business history. Get in touch with your city to see if you can learn more about a company before hiring them. You may file by-law complaints through your municipality as well.

British Columbia

British Columbia

Trade Licensing and Certifications

Certain British Columbia contractors must hold a trade license in order to legally work in the province.

  • Find out which contractors must obey regulated trade licensing rules in BC: click here

Trade and Business Licensing Verification

Consumer Protection in BC

Consumer Protection BC (CPBC) monitors BC markets. It also provides consumer protection information and assistance. CPBC will investigate consumer complaints. The non-profit organization may rectify consumer issues by mediating problems between consumers and businesses. CPBC does not prosecute individuals. The organization will help businesses abide by BC protection laws.

Filing Business Complaints

  • Write a complaint about a business to CPBC: click here
  • A copy of the General Complaint Form: click here

Home Inspection Complaints

Home inspectors in BC must be licensed, according to BC Consumer Protection.

  • Research a Home Inspector's license: click here
  • File a complaint against an inspector through this CPBC complaint form: click here
  • Contact the BC Consumer Protection Inquiry Centre for further questions and concerns:

Home Warranty Information

The Homeowners Protection Office (HPO) is responsible for new home guarantees under the BC Home Owner Protection Act. Various private companies enforce The Act. The organization licenses residential builders and envelope renovators. It also educates consumers about industry information to help them make proper home buying decisions.

  • Read about BC Home Warranty Insurance: click here
  • Check various public registries about a particular home's insurance policy as well as a residential builder's license: click here
  • Check if your residential builder is licensed with the HPO: click here
  • Contact the HPO Licensing department for any questions about builder qualifications:

Workplace Safety Concerns

Legal Action

Disputing parties may negotiate outside the courtroom. This avenue may be more affordable, and less time consuming than pursuing legal action. However, this option is not always suitable for every case. You may seek legal action through the following methods:

  • Take the case into your own hands through a BC Small Claims Court. Small claims include disputes that are up to $25,000.00, excluding libel and slander. You may represent yourself without a lawyer.
  • Contact the Small Claims Court: click here
  • You may take the case to BC Civil Court if the dispute exceeds $25,000.00.
    • Understand the civil litigation process prior to addressing any case: click here
    • Get your claim started: click here
  • Contact the Supreme Court: click here
Alberta

Alberta

Trade Licensing and Certifications

Alberta demands that certain contractors hold trade licenses in order to legally work in the province. Bear in mind that all prepaid contractors must have a Service Alberta License to work in the province.

  • Find out which trades require additional trade licensing in Alberta: click here

Trade and Business Licensing Verification

  • Check to see if a business is licensed with Service Alberta. The Business License Search is at the bottom of this page: click here

Consumer Protection in Alberta

Service Alberta monitors Alberta's markets for consumer and business safety and fairness. They investigate consumer issues and complaints; provide information and educational programs for consumers; enforce business practice standards; and enforce consumer protection legislation in the province. Service Alberta also licenses and registers businesses.

  • Read the Service Alberta home renovation tip sheet (information about written contract regulations, as well as a standardized contract checklist within): click here
  • Read the Alberta Fair Trading Act: click here
  • Read the Alberta Builders' Lien Act to help protect yourself against contractors who may have the right to register a Lien on your property: click here
  • Call Service Alberta if you have any questions:
    • Toll free: 1-877-427-4088

Filing Business Complaints

With Service Alberta

  • Consumers are able to file complaints against prepaid contractors (any services with written contracts for $200.00 or more) if they feel that there has been an unfair transaction. The Consumer Investigations Unit (CIU) will investigate consumer complaints if they feel that a business has violated the Alberta Consumer Protection Law.
  • Learn more about filing a complaint against a pre-paid contractor: click here
  • Retrieve a complaint form: click here
  • Speak with a Service Alberta Information Officer about filing a complaint:
    • Edmonton phone: 780-427-4088

With the Safety Codes Council

The Alberta Safety Codes Council oversees all permit accreditation across the province, as well as the work completed under these permits. The Safety Codes Council certifies safety code officers and oversees the Alberta Master Electrician Program.
You may file a complaint against any individual or organization that has duties under the Safety Codes Act. These individuals include master electricians, permit issuers, and safety code officers. You cannot file a complaint against any other tradesperson through this body.

Home Inspection Complaints

Alberta Home Inspectors must be licensed, and they must have a copy of their license upon a home inspection (or if asked to present their license). Home inspection businesses must ensure that their inspectors are licensed.

  • You may search the licensed home inspector business directory: click here
  • You must contact the home inspector's association if you would like to make a formal complaint.
  • Read the home inspectors fact sheet: click here

Home Warranty Information

The New Home Buyer Protection Act provides every new home built in Alberta with mandatory warranty coverage. This rule came into effect February 1, 2014.

  • Read about what types of homes are covered, warranty standards, your home coverage, and warranty providers: click here
  • Read the New Home Buyer Protection Act: click here

Workplace Safety Concerns

Legal Action

Some homeowners pursue legal action when they run into issues with a contractor. Court action may not be the best option for your unique case. Consider a mediation session, or an out of court settlement before taking legal action. The former options are usually more affordable and less time consuming than the latter. Nevertheless, some cases warrant legal proceedings.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan

Trade Licensing and Certifications

Certain Saskatchewan contractors must hold a trade license in order to legally work in the province.

  • A comprehensive guide to regulated trade licensing in Saskatchewan: click here
  • Information on contractors soliciting sales (must be bonded and licensed): click here

Trade and Business Licensing Verification

  • You can check a contractor's license and registration here: click here
  • Check the Corporate Registry to find information on an existing business in Saskatchewan: click here

Consumer Protection in Saskatchewan

The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority (FCAA) is in charge of monitoring and regulating Saskatchewan markets, protecting consumers, and regulating businesses and financial products in the province. The FCAA assesses financial product and business soundness. It also protects consumers through fair trading and ethical business practices, as well as consumer confidentiality.

  • The Consumer Protection Division (CPD) of the FCAA focuses on consumer security, information, and well-being. They have the authority to investigate consumer complaints, and offer resolution services and advice. The CPD can conduct compliance audits as well.
  • Visit the FCAA consumer awareness page on hiring a contractor. It contains information including: your rights when signing contracts, contractor payments, and the cooling off period. Click here to view the page
  • Read the Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act: click here
  • Read the SaskatchewanBuilders' Lien Act: click here
  • Contact the CPD:
    • Toll free: 1-877-880-5550

Email: consumerprotection@gov.sk.ca
Online: click here

Filing Business Complaints

  • Read more about how to write a consumer complaint to the FCAA: click here
    • You may send your complaint to the FCCA Consumer Protection Division by fax: 306-787-9779

Home Inspection Complaints

Home Inspection is not a regulated industry in Saskatchewan. If you are dissatisfied with a home inspector's services it is recommended that you contact the governing home inspection association body with a formal complaint.

Home Warranty Information

Home warranty protection is not mandatory in Saskatchewan. Home builders who are registered members of a home warranty program can offer warranty services to their clients.

Workplace Safety Concerns

Legal Action

Sometimes renovations don't work out the way one imagines. One may require legal action to rectify outstanding issues. Remember that an out of court settlement, negotiation, or mediation may be less time consuming and less costly. If you feel that your case requires serious legal action, consider the following:

  • Pursue a ‘do-it-yourself' method. The Saskatchewan Provincial Court – Small Claims Court is appropriate for disputing damages that are up to $30,000.00. Disputes regarding libel and slander must be handled at the Queen's Bench. You may represent yourself without a lawyer.
    • Learn how to take a case to small claims court: click here
  • Contact the Regina small claims court: (306) 787-5375
  • Lean more about the small claims project for Saskatoon only: click here
  • Saskatoon Small Claims Contact: (306) 933-7053
  • Civil cases involving over $30,000.000 are heard in The Court of Queen's Bench with the presence of a lawyer, or by oneself. For further information about the Court of Queen's Bench: click here
  • Contact the Courts of Saskatchewan: click here
Manitoba

Manitoba

Trade Licensing and Certifications

Certain Manitoba contractors must hold a trade license in order to legally work in the province.

  • A comprehensive guide to regulated trade licensing in Manitoba: click here

Consumer Protection in Manitoba

The Consumer Protection Office of Manitoba (CPO) oversees, monitors, and regulates the provincial market. The CPO investigates and mandates consumer complaints by assessing the rights and responsibilities of all parties. The CPO offers remediation and resolution opportunities for disputes within its legislative power

  • Read about your rights and responsibilities as a consumer such as: deposits, estimates, work completion dates, and delivery dates: click here
  • All salespeople must have a direct seller's license issued by the CPO. Direct sellers may be individuals offering you home repairs or renovations. Therefore, these individuals (or businesses) must have this license): click here
  • Read The Consumer Protection Act: click here
  • Read the Business Practices Act: click here
  • Read the Builder's Lien Act: click here
  • Contact the Consumer Protection Office:
    • Toll Free: 1-800-782-0067

Filing Business Complaints

You may file a complaint against a business through the CPO. Make sure to include as much information as possible in the written complaint.

Home Inspection Complaints

Home Inspection is not a regulated industry in Manitoba. If you are dissatisfied with a home inspector's services, you must contact the inspector's governing body with a formal complaint.

Home Warranty Information

The current new home warranty system is strictly voluntary. Thus, unless a builder is a member of a home warranty organization, homeowners cannot receive new home warranty protection. However, new legislation for new home warranty protection will come into effect January 1, 2017. New legislation will require a standardized minimum amount of protection for all new builds through Manitoba's New Home Warranty Act. This act will cover new home construction protection against construction defects up to $100,000.00.

  • Read more about the protection offered: click here
  • Read this home buying fact sheet for more information on home warranty programs: click here
  • Read the current New Home Warranty Act: click here

Workplace Safety Concerns

Legal Action

Sometimes legal action is required when a renovation doesn't go according to plan. Before investing time and money into legal matters, consider an out of court settlement. This avenue may be more affordable, and less time consuming than pursuing legal action. However, sometimes legal settlements are necessary. If so, consider the following:

  • Take the case into your own hands through the Manitoba Small Claims Court. Small claims involve disputes that are up to $10,000.00, excluding slander and defamation. You may represent yourself without a lawyer.
    • Understand the small claims court process as a claimant: click here
    • Fill out all necessary court forms for your unique case: click here

Contact the Manitoba Legal Help Centre:

Ontario

Ontario

Trade Licensing and Certifications

Ontario trade licensing is very strict. Be sure that you understand which trades require licences in order for those contractors to legally work in the province.

  • A comprehensive guide to regulated trade licensing in Ontario: click here

Trade and Business Licensing Verification

  • Contractors practicing compulsory trades must be registered with the Ontario College of Trades. You may check if a contractor is registered as a member: click here
  • Ontario electricians must be registered, licensed, and certified with the Electrical Safety Authority. You can check if a contractor is properly licensed: click here

Consumer Protection in Ontario

The Ministry of Government and Consumer Services (The Ministry) leads business law and consumer protection in Ontario. The Ministry enforces public service and consumer protection and safety laws. It also mitigates consumer complaints. The Ministry also created the Consumer Protection Ontario awareness program. This program aims to inform consumers about the marketplace by educating them about consumer rights, and important safety precautions to take in the marketplace.

  • View a business's history before you get involved with them on the Ontario Consumer Beware List: click here
  • Information for protecting yourself as a home buyer, or a homeowner starting a renovation: click here
  • Learn about your consumer rights for starting home renovations or repairs (including the final price of all goods and construction liens): click here
  • Learn about your consumer rights for signing and cancelling contracts: click here
  • Learn about your consumer rights during door-to-door sales and contract signing (including cooling off periods): click here
  • Read the Ontario Consumer Protection Act: click here
    • Your rights as a consumer under this act: click here
  • Read the Ontario Construction Lien Act: click here
  • Contact Consumer Protection Ontario
    • Toll free: 1-800-889-9768
  • Consumer rights information for home renovations and repairs: click here

Filing Business Complaints

Home Inspection Complaints

If you are dissatisfied with a home inspection service, you must file a formal complaint with the individual's association.

Home Warranty Information

Under the Ontario New Home Warranties Act, Ontario builders are to provide warranty coverage for work, material, and structural defects over a number of years. Thus, new home warranties are mandatory in Ontario. Tarion Home Warranty Corporation administers The Act through home warranty services for Ontario new home buyers and owners. Tarion registers new home builders and vendors while protecting consumers against illegal building practices.

Workplace Safety Concerns

If you are concerned about workplace safety during a renovation contact:

Legal Action

It is important to seek legal action if a home renovation does not go according to plan. However, keep in mind that some avenues may be less time consuming, and less expensive. First consider negotiation or mediation with the other party. If this option is not suitable, seek legal action in your province through one of the following:

  • Take the case into your own hands through the Ontario Small Claims Court. Small claim disputes must be $25,000.00 of below (excluding slander and defamation claims). You may represent yourself without a lawyer.
  • Civil cases involving disputes over $25,000.000 are heard in The Superior Court of Justice (civil court) with the presence of a lawyer, or by oneself.
    • Make sure that you understand the process of a civil action: click here

Contact the Ministry of the Attorney General:

Quebec

Quebec

Trade Licensing and Certifications

Certain Quebec contractors must hold a trade license in order to legally work in the province.

  • Take a look at this comprehensive guide to regulated trade licensing in Quebec: click here

Trade and Business Licensing Verification

  • Report a contractor who does not fulfil compulsory trade requirements with the Quebec Government: click here
  • Check if a building contractor holds an RBQ License: click here
  • Verify if a contractor has been subject to consumer complaints to the l'Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC): click here
    • Call: 1-800-361-0761

Consumer Protection in Quebec

There are a few consumer protection programs in Quebec:

L'Office de la protection du consommateur is a government agency. The Office provides education and awareness opportunities to inform consumers about their rights in the marketplace. It also informs consumers about possible actions to take if they run into issues with businesses. The Office is responsible for enforcing the Consumer Protection Act by regulating contracts between businesses and consumers; prohibiting deceptive business practices; and establishing that basic legal guarantees are met through goods and services offered in the marketplace.

  • Read OPC material about home renovations (hiring advice, contract cancellations, unfinished or poorly executed work, and warranties on home renovation): click here
  • Find out if complaints have been issued against a particular merchant: click here
  • Read the Consumer Protections Act: click here
  • Contact one of many OPC offices: click here

Service Quebec is a government organization that offers consumer information programs. These include facts and tips for consumers in the marketplace (including home renovation and construction). It also offers information about tax credits and government incentive programs.

  • Visit their consumer home renovation page: click here
  • Contact Service Quebec:
    • Montréal: 514 644-4545
    • Toll free: 1-877-644-4545

L'Association provinciale des constructeurs d'habitations du Québec (APCHQ) is a private, non-profit organization. It offers those looking to buy or renovate homes or condos an opportunity to verify the builder or developer's RBQ credentials on listed properties. This service helps consumers verify if a building has been constructed by a registered contractor.

  • Check listed properties: click here
  • Contact APCHQ:
    • Toll free: 1-800-468-8160 ext. 314
    • Email: habitation-neuve@apchq3d.com

Filing Business Complaints

Through OPC

  • Learn how to file a consumer complaint through the OPC: click here
  • You may make a consumer complaint about a business or direct seller/salesperson through by phone, written letter, or in person: here

Through RBQ

  • Learn how to file a contractor complaint through the RBQ (only feasible for licensed contractors and projects under written contracts): click here
  • Complete an RBQ contractor complaint form: click here for the form
  • Speak with RBQ Customer Relations if you have further questions:
    • Toll free: 1-800-361-0761

Sûreté du Québec (Fraud Businesses):

Home Inspection Complaints

Home Inspection is not a regulated industry in Quebec. Write a formal complaint and submit it to the inspector's governing body.

Home Warranty Plan Information

Most new homes are covered under a Quebec-wide mandatory home warranty plan. Contractors who are registered with the RBQ must provide the Guarantee Plan for New Residential Buildings as a legal obligation. The contractor must register a new residential build with a warranty plan administrator. If the new build is warrantied, then you are able to take advantage of certain program protections.

Workplace Safety Concerns

Legal Action

Homeowners are encouraged to defend themselves against contractors who have wronged them. Out of court settlements such as negotiation and mitigation may be more affordable and less time consuming than legal action. However, seek legal action if you feel that you must bring your case to court.

  • Visit a Quebec Small Claims Court for disputes that are up to $15,000.00 (excluding defamation). You may represent yourself without a lawyer.
    • Learn the rules and proceedings: click here
    • Make sure you fill out the appropriate forms: click here
  • Civil cases involving disputes over $15,000.00 and under $85,000.00 are heard in The Court of Quebec (Civil Division) with the presence of a lawyer, or by oneself.
    • More information on the provincial court: click here

Contact the Courts of Quebec

New Brunswick

New Brunswick

Trade Licensing and Certifications

 Certain New Brunswick contractors must hold a trade license in order to legally work in the province.

  • A comprehensive guide to regulated trades in New Brunswick: click here

Consumer Protection in New Brunswick

The Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick (FCNB) regulates financial and consumer services in the province. The FCNB enforces provincial consumer protection legislation through regulatory and education services. The Financial and Consumers Services Tribunal (Tribunal) has the jurisdiction to execute legislative services for consumers. The Consumer Affairs Division of the FCNB enforces consumer legislation on a daily basis. It will investigate into consumer complaints, provide consumer rights and responsibilities educational services, and issue business licenses.

Filing Business Complaints

  • Complaints against general businesses:
    • You must file a consumer complaint (or inquiry) with the FCNB: click here

Home Inspection Complaints

Contact your home inspector's governing body with a formal complaint. Home inspection is not regulated in New Brunswick.

Home Warranty Information

New home warranties are optional in New Brunswick. Atlantic Home Warranty offers optional coverage for any builder who is a member of the association.

Workplace Safety Concerns

Legal Action

A homeowner may need to seek legal action if their home renovation goes south. Out of court settlements through negotiation and mediation may be more affordable, faster solutions. However, out of court options may not be the best ones. If you feel that you must bring your case to court, seek legal action through one of the following methods:

  • Take a do it yourself approach through a New Brunswick Small Claims Court. Small claims are limited to damages up to $12,500.00, excluding slander and defamation. You may represent yourself without a lawyer.
    • Make sure you fill out the appropriate forms: click here
Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia

Trade Licensing and Certifications

Certain Nova Scotia contractors must hold a trade license in order to legally work in the province.

  • Read this comprehensive guide to regulated trade licensing in Nova Scotia: click here

Consumer Protection in Nova Scotia

Service Nova Scotia (Service NS) Business and Consumer Programs offers various educational, regulatory, and mitigation resolution programs to help consumers defend themselves against unfair business practices and illegitimate marketplace transactions.

  • Visit the Service NS Consumer Awareness page: click here
  • Read about your rights as a consumer in Nova Scotia: click here
  • Read about your rights with direct sellers, including cooling-off periods (every direct seller must be licensed by the province): click here
  • More information about cooling off periods: click here
  • Read the Nova Scotia Consumer Protection Act: click here
  • Read the Builders Lien Act: click here

Contact Service NS:

Filing Business Complaints

  • Consumers should make complaints to the Service NS Consumer Awareness Division. You can fill out an online form and submit it to the department: click here
  • You may also fill out a complaint form by hand and send it to the nearest Access Nova Scotia Office: click here for a complaint form
  • Contact the Public Enquiries division if you have further questions:
    • Toll free: 1-800-670-4357

Home Inspection Complaints

Home Inspection is an unregulated industry in Nova Scotia. Contact your home inspector's governing body if you are dissatisfied with services rendered.

Home Warranty Information

New home warranties are optional in Nova Scotia. Atlantic Home Warranty offers optional coverage for any builder who is a member of the association.

Workplace Safety Concerns

Legal Action

One may require legal action in the event that a renovation does not go according to plan. Consider opting for out of court settlements via negotiation or mediation. This avenue may be more affordable and less time consuming than pursuing legal action. However, this option may not be the best one. You may seek legal action through the following methods:

  • Take advantage of the Nova Scotia Small Claims Court system for disputes that are up to $25,000.00 in damages (excluding malicious prosecution and defamation). You may represent yourself without a lawyer.
  • Most civil cases involving disputes over $25,000.000 are heard in Supreme Court with the presence of a lawyer, or by oneself.
    • More information of Civil Court procedural rules: click here
    • Inform yourself about the civil division and necessary forms for disputes: click here
    • Find a supreme court near you here: click here
Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island

Trade Licensing and Certifications

Certain PEI contractors must hold a trade license in order to legally work in the province.

  • A comprehensive guide to regulated trade licensing: click here

Trade and Business Licensing Verification

  • You may inquire into your Plumber, Construction Electrician, Heat Tank Installer, and HVAC Mechanic's license by emailing:

Consumer Protection in PEI

Consumer Services Office of the Prince Edward Department of Justice and Public Safety provides consumer awareness education and information programs. The Consumers Services Office handles consumer complaints, and provides mediation services for consumer and business disputes. However, the Consumers Service Office is restricted in some of these efforts by legislation. Consumer Services does not prosecute individuals or companies. They license and regulate companies, businesses, non-profits, and individual or direct sellers in the province as well.

  • PEI Consumer Buying Skills Guide: click here
  • Read about consumer rights and responsibilities with regards to direct sales (buying goods and services from your home): click here
    • Most direct sellers must have a valid license in order to operate in the province
  • Information about a Direct Sellers License: click here
  • Read the Direct Sellers Act: click here
  • Read the Consumer Protection Act: click here
  • Contact the Consumer Services Office:
    • Toll free: 1-800-658-1799

Filing Business Complaints

Complaints may be filed with the Consumer Services Office. A Consumer Services Officer will contact the business under investigation to ask for a response. Consumer Services will mediate between parties until an agreement or impasse is reached. Groups may need to settle in court.

  • Lear about the complaint handling process: click here
  • How to write a complaint: click here
  • Steps to resolve to complaint: click here
    • Complaints must be hand written.
  • Contact Consumer Services if you have further questions:
    • Toll free (PEI only): 1-800-658-1799

Home Inspection Complaints

Home Inspection is an unregulated industry in Prince Edward Island. Contact the inspector's governing agency with any formal complaints.

Home Warranty Information

New home warranties are optional in Prince Edward Island. Atlantic Home Warranty offers optional coverage for any builder who is a member of the association.

Workplace Safety Concerns

Legal Action

Some home renovations don't go according to plan. Don't be afraid to pursue legal action if your project goes south. You may want to take a less time consuming, and less costly route such as negotiation or mediation. However, if you feel that you must bring your case to court, seek legal action through the following methods:

  • Do it yourself through the PEI Small Claims Court. Disputes are limited to damages up to $8,000.00. You may represent yourself without a lawyer.
  • Most civil cases involving disputes over $8,000.000 are heard in Supreme Court with the presence of a lawyer, or by oneself.
    • More information of Civil Court procedural rules: click here
Newfoundland

Newfoundland and Labrador

Trade Licensing and Certifications

Certain Newfoundland and Labrador contractors must hold a trade license in order to legally work in the province.

  • Read about Newfoundland and Labrador's trade licensing requirements: click here

Consumer Protection in Newfoundland and Labrador

Service NL is a government agency that provides a consumer protection through the Consumer Affairs Division. The Consumer Affairs Division provides consumer rights information and resources for the marketplace. This division monitors and regulates marketplace transactions to ensure fair business practices within the province.

Filing Business Complaints

Home Inspection Complaints

Home Inspection is not a regulated industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. If you are dissatisfied with a home inspector's service, you must file a complaint with their organization.

Home Warranty Information

New home warranties are optional in Newfoundland and Labrador. Atlantic Home Warranty offers optional coverage for any builder who is a member of the association.

Workplace Safety Concerns

  • If you believe that your home renovation worksite has safety hazards, you may contact any of the following organizations:
  • Service NL Occupational Health and Safety: =
    • Serious Workplace Accident reports: 1-800-563-5471
    • General Inquiries: 1-800-563-5471
  • The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety:
    • 1-800-668-4284

Legal Action

A homeowner may require legal assistance if their renovation goes wrong. Consider negotiation or mediation before turning to legal action. These avenues may be less expensive and less time consuming than bringing a claim to court. If legal action is necessary, consider the following:

Nunavut

Nunavut

Trade Licensing and Certifications

Certain Nunavut contractors must hold a trade license in order to legally work in the territory.

  • A comprehensive guide to regulated trade licensing in Nunavut:  click here

Consumer Protection in Nunavut

The Consumer Affairs Division of the Nunavut Community and Governments Services assist Nunavut residents with marketplace concerns, questions, and issues. The Consumer Affairs Division helps consumers and businesses mitigate issues. The division will also provide consumers with marketplace awareness and education. This division issues licenses for direct sellers, salespeople, and Nunavut-wide businesses.

  • Read more about the responsibilities of direct sellers: click here
  • Read the Consumer Protection Act: click here
  • Contact the Consumer Protection Division:
    • Toll free: 1-866-223-8139

Filing Business Complaints

  • If you have had an issue with a direct seller or a business, please fill out the following form and submit it to the Department of Community and Government Services: click here

Home Inspection Complaints

It's best to contact your home inspector's agency directly if you have experienced issues with the individual. The home inspection industry is not regulated in Nunavut.

Home Warranty Information

Home warranty protection is not mandatory in Nunavut. Home buyers may consider purchasing warranty protection for their homes. Nunavut legislation does not require condominium developers to provide home warranties.

Workplace Safety Concerns

  • If you are concerned about workplace safety during a renovation contact:
  • Worker's Safety and Compensation Commission, WSCC Connect:
    • Report by phone (24-hour Incident Reporting Line): 1-800-661-0792
  • The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety:
    • 1-800-668-4284

Legal Action

A homeowner may need to seek legal action in the event that a renovation does not go according to plan. You may opt for an out of court settlement through negotiation or mediation. This avenue may be more affordable and less time consuming than pursuing legal action. However, this option may not be the best one. Here are some legal avenues to pursue:

  • A ‘do-it-yourself' option is through the Nunavut Small Claims Court for disputes up to $20,000.00 (excluding libel and slander). You may represent yourself without a lawyer.
    • Learn about Nunavut small claims court: click here
  • Contact the Nunavut Civil Court Division:
    • Toll free: 1-866-286-0546
  • Civil cases involving disputes over $20,000.000 are heard in the Nunavut Court of Justice with the presence of a lawyer, or by oneself. Although the Court of Justice is based in Iqaluit, a circuit court will travel to Nunavut communities for civil cases.
  • Contact the Judicial Support Office:
    • Toll free: 1-866-286-0546
Northwest Territories

Northwest Territories

Trade Licensing and Certifications

Some contractors must be properly licensed in order to work in the NWT.

  • Read more about trade licensing rules in regulations in the territory: click here

Trade and Business Licensing Verification

  • Contact the Department of Education, Culture, and Employment—Apprenticeships to verify if your contractor is properly licensed:
    • Phone: 1-867-767-9351

Consumer Protection in NWT

The Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) supports consumer protection through the Consumer Affairs Office. The MACA Consumer Affairs Office offers information, education, rights and practices awareness, and consumer complaint mitigation assistance to consumers and businesses. The Office also licences salespeople in the NWT.

Filing Business Complaints

If you have had any issues with a business or salesperson, you must make a complaint through the Consumer Affairs Office.

  • Visit the Consumer Affairs page: click here
  • How to make a consumer complaint: click here
  • You may download a complaint form for a handwritten complaint (located on the Consumer Affairs Page). File an online complaint: click here

Home Inspection Complaints

Home Inspection is not a regulated industry in the Northwest Territories. It is recommended that you make a complaint to the governing home inspection association that your home inspector belongs to.

Home Warranty Information

Home warranty protection is not mandatory in NWT. Home buyers may consider purchasing warranty protection for their homes. NWT Legislation does not require condominium developers to provide new home warranty insurance to buyers

Workplace Safety Concerns

  • If you are concerned about workplace safety during a renovation contact:
  • Worker's Safety and Compensation Commission, WSCC Connect:
    • Report by phone (24-hour Incident Reporting Line): 1-800-661-0792
  • The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety:
    • 1-800-668-4284

Legal Action

A homeowner may require legal assistance due to a renovation gone wrong. Consider negotiation or mediation before turning to legal mitigation. These avenues may be less expensive and less time consuming than bringing a claim to court. If legal action is necessary, consider the following:

  • Take the case into your own hands through the Northwest Territories Territorial Court of the Northwest Territories (Small Claims Court) for disputes that are up to $35,000.00 (excluding malicious prosecution claims). You may represent yourself without a lawyer.
    • Learn about mandatory judicial mediation: click here
Yukon

Yukon

Trade Licensing and Certifications

Certain Yukon contractors must hold a trade license in order to legally work in the territory.

  • A comprehensive guide to regulated trade licensing information in the Yukon territory:  click here

Trade and Business Licensing Verification

  • Check to see if your Construction Electrician, Contractor, or Gas Fitter has a valid license by contacting the Yukon Government Inquiries Department.
    • Toll-free: 1-800-661-0408

Consumer Protection in the Yukon

The Consumer Protection Division of the Yukon Government answers consumer questions regarding consumer protections. They aim to help consumers understand their rights and responsibilities within the market.

  • Learn about Consumer Protection in the Yukon: click here
  • Read the Consumer Protection Act: click here
  • Read the Builder's Lien Act: click here
  • Contact the Yukon Government Professional Licensing and Regulator Affairs Department:
    • Toll free: 1-800-661-0408 local 5111

Filing Business Complaints

  • Read the Yukon government consumer complaint fact sheet here (contains sample complaint letter): click here

Home Inspection Complaints

Home Inspections are not regulated by the Government. If you have had an issue with a home inspector, it's best to contact their governing body to make a formal complaint.

Home Warranty Information

Home warranty protection is not mandatory in the Yukon. Home buyers may need to ask their builders for warranty protection before they sign a purchase contract. It is important for homeowners to specify the terms and conditions for this warranty within the contract. It is common for builders to provide structural and other home defects for a limited period of time. consider purchasing warranty protection

Workplace Safety Concerns

Legal Action

A homeowner may require legal action in the event that a renovation does not go according to plan. Opting for out of court settlements usually mean less time and money invested in disputes between parties. Consider negotiation or mediation. Read more about potential legal options below:  

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