Government & Regulations

Contractor Licensing

Since 2001, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) and the electrical contracting sector have been working together to develop a provincial licensing framework proposal to address concerns with the current licensing scheme of electrical contractors and master electricians throughout the province of Ontario.

The 2003 Provincial Auditor's Report noted electrical safety concerns and recommended that the Ministry of Consumer Services and the ESA work with stakeholders to develop consistent provincial standards for ongoing licensing and training of electricians to improve public safety.

In late 2004 the Government of Ontario amended the Electricity Act, 1998, with the passage of Bill 70, to enable the establishment of a statutory framework for province-wide licensing of electrical contractors and master electricians in the compulsory electrical trades, to be administered by the ESA.

Ministry of Consumer Services News Release

As of January 1, 2007 no person shall operate an Electrical Contracting Business in Ontario without first obtaining an Electrical Contractor Licence issues by ECRA/ESA.

As of January 1, 2007 no person shall assume the responsibility of a Designated Master Electrician for the carrying out of electrical work on behalf of an Electrical Contractor without first obtaining a Master Electrician Licence issues by ECRA/ESA.

For more detailed information on Electrical Contractor and Master Electrician Licensing