Help and resources for hiring a roofing contractor in Ontario
Before you sign a contract with a roofer, it helps to know which agencies actually oversee the trade in Ontario and where to turn if something goes wrong. Below is a curated list of real government bodies, trade associations, and legal resources, drawn from official sources, that homeowners and contractors alike can use to check credentials, understand warranty coverage, or file a complaint.
Government & regulatory
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Ontario Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, Consumer Protection Ontario
Provincial program that handles consumer complaints against contractors, including roofers, publishes guidance on hiring a roofer, and enforces the Consumer Protection Act, including the 10-day cooling-off period for in-home contracts of $50 or more.
Visit website → Phone: 1-800-889-9768 (toll-free) or 416-326-8800 (Toronto area); TTY 1-877-666-6545 or 416-229-6086 Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, Consumer Services Operations Division, PO Box 450, Toronto, ON M7A 2J6 -
Skilled Trades Ontario
The provincial body that administers apprenticeship, certification, and Certificate of Qualification programs for skilled trades, including Roofer, a Red Seal non-compulsory trade in Ontario, under the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021.
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Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
Ontario's workplace insurance board issues free clearance confirmations showing whether a roofing contractor or subcontractor is registered and current on WSIB premiums, protecting homeowners from liability for a contractor's unpaid premiums or workplace injuries.
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Tarion Warranty Corporation
A not-for-profit corporation established by the Government of Ontario in 1976 to administer the statutory new home warranty program, covering defects in newly built homes including a 2-year warranty against water penetration and a 7-year major structural defect warranty that can apply to certain roof-related issues.
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Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA)
Ontario's delegated administrative authority that licenses and regulates new home builders and vendors, enforces a Code of Ethics, and handles complaints against licensed builders, relevant when a roof problem involves a new-home builder rather than an independent roofing contractor.
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Competition Bureau Canada
Independent federal law enforcement agency enforcing the Competition Act, including provisions against false or misleading advertising and deceptive marketing practices by contractors nationwide.
Visit website → Phone: 1-800-348-5358 (toll-free) or 819-997-4282 (National Capital Region)
Industry & professional associations
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Canadian Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA)
National trade association, established in 1960, representing roofing contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, engineers, and consultants across Canada, providing technical standards and industry guidance.
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Residential Roofing Contractors Association of Metropolitan Toronto (RRCA)
A not-for-profit trade association, formed in 1982, representing residential roofing contractors operating in the Greater Toronto and Southern Ontario area.
Consumer protection
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Consumer Beware List (Ontario)
A searchable public database, maintained by Ontario's consumer-protection ministry, listing businesses subject to consumer-complaint charges, convictions, or compliance notices under the Consumer Protection Act. Useful for checking a roofing contractor's track record before hiring.
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Better Business Bureau serving Canada (BBB)
Nonprofit organization that publishes business reliability ratings, accreditation status, and consumer complaint and review histories for roofing contractors. Recommended by Ontario's own consumer-protection guidance as a pre-hire check.
Legal help
This is general information, not legal advice. Speak to a qualified professional about your specific situation.
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Law Society Referral Service (Law Society of Ontario)
Free service from Ontario's legal regulator that connects the public with a lawyer or paralegal for an initial consultation of up to 30 minutes, by phone or in person, useful for contract or dispute issues with a roofing contractor.
Visit website → Phone: 416-947-5255 or 1-855-947-5255; TTY 416-644-4886 -
Legal Aid Ontario (LAO)
Publicly funded, non-profit corporation providing legal aid services, including duty counsel, community legal clinics, legal advice, and referrals, to low-income Ontario residents, including for consumer-contract disputes.
Need a provider rather than a resource? Request a quote.