Worked Estimates and Checklists
Do roofers need a licence in Canada? Contractor licensing by province
Quebec's RBQ licence, Alberta's prepaid contracting licence, municipal business licences, Red Seal roofers, insurance and workers' compensation checks for Canadian roofing contractors.
Whether a roofing or siding contractor needs a licence depends on the province and sometimes the city. Quebec is the clearest case: contractors who carry out construction work, including roofing and exterior cladding, must hold a licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) for the relevant subclass, and you can check it on the RBQ's public register. Alberta requires a prepaid contracting business licence for businesses that sell home improvement contracts, including roofing, at a location other than their place of business and take payment before all the work is done. Most other provinces have no general provincial licence for renovation contractors, so the useful checks there are a municipal business licence where your city requires one, liability insurance, workers' compensation standing and, for individual tradespeople, trade certification.
This guide is part of how to compare roofing quotes.
Province by province
| Jurisdiction | Licence for renovation contractors | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Quebec | RBQ licence required for construction contractors, with subclasses by type of work | RBQ "Registre des détenteurs de licence" search |
| Alberta | Prepaid contracting business licence if selling away from the business premises and taking payment before work is complete | Service Alberta's "Find a Licensed Business" search; licensees must show their licence on request |
| British Columbia | No general provincial licence for renovators; residential builders of new homes are licensed under the Homeowner Protection Act (BC Housing) | Municipal business licence; Consumer Protection BC for consumer complaints |
| Ontario | No general provincial licence for roofers or renovators; new home builders are licensed separately | Municipal business licence where required; WSIB clearance |
| Other provinces and territories | Generally no provincial renovation contractor licence; check municipal rules | Municipal licensing office; workers' compensation board |
Rules can change. Before relying on this table, confirm with the official body in your province.
Quebec: the RBQ licence
Under Quebec's Building Act, contractors need an RBQ licence matching the work they do; specialty subclasses cover trades such as roofing, waterproofing and exterior cladding. Practical checks:
- Ask for the licence number and check it on the RBQ register, including that it is valid and covers the type of work.
- Make sure the name on the contract matches the licensed business.
- Note that the RBQ licence requires licence holders to provide security (a bond) that can compensate clients in certain limited circumstances, such as lost deposits, unfinished work or poor workmanship found within a year of completion. The RBQ gives the amount as $20,000 for specialized subclasses (such as roofing) and $40,000 for general subclasses, and that is the maximum shared among all eligible claimants against that contractor; the RBQ explains when consumers can claim on it.
- Check whether the contractor has had licence restrictions; the register shows status.
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Quebec is risky: you may lose protections, and the RBQ warns consumers about renovation fraud. The RBQ also publishes a consumer toolbox on choosing a contractor.
Alberta: prepaid contracting licence
Service Alberta's page on the prepaid contracting licence says it applies to businesses that sell prepaid contracts in person at a location other than their place of business, for construction, repair, alteration, additions or improvements to private dwellings or associated real property. Contracts with commercial buildings and contracts between contractors and subcontractors are exempt, as is certain warranty-covered work. Alberta's Consumer Protection Act also sets contract content requirements and cancellation rights for direct sales.
If a roofer knocks on your door after a hailstorm and asks for a deposit, check the licence before you pay anything.
Everywhere else: what to verify
Municipal business licence. Some cities require contractors, or specifically renovators, to hold a business licence. Ask your city's licensing office.
Liability insurance. Ask for a certificate of insurance showing the business name, the insurer, the policy period and the liability limit. If something falls off the roof and damages your neighbour's car, this is what pays.
Workers' compensation. Roofing is high-risk work. Provincial boards such as WSIB (Ontario), WorkSafeBC, WCB Alberta and CNESST (Quebec) issue clearance certificates or allow a status check. If the contractor is not registered, questions of liability for injuries can arise.
Trade certification. Roofer is a Red Seal trade, and provinces run apprenticeship and certification for roofers, but federal Job Bank lists roofing trade certification as compulsory only in Quebec and voluntary in the other provinces and the territories. A certified roofer on the crew is a quality signal, not a legal requirement outside Quebec.
Manufacturer certification. Shingle and metal manufacturers often run contractor programs that unlock enhanced warranties. It is a commercial credential, not a licence; check it with the manufacturer directly.
How these checks fit together
| Check | Protects against |
|---|---|
| Licence (Quebec, Alberta prepaid) | Unqualified or unaccountable contractors; gives access to licence-specific protections |
| Business address and legal name | Disappearing businesses |
| Liability insurance | Damage to your property or neighbours |
| Workers' compensation | Injury claims |
| GST/HST registration | Tax-evading cash operators |
| Written warranty | Leaks from poor installation |
| Holdback | Liens from unpaid subcontractors and suppliers; see holdbacks under provincial lien acts |
Worked example: what an unlicensed, uninsured deal can cost
Illustrative only. A homeowner accepts a $9,500 cash price instead of a $12,800 written quote with tax. The crew damages a neighbour's skylight with a falling bundle ($1,800 repair) and leaves a leak at the chimney that costs $1,200 to fix by another contractor. With no insurance or warranty to claim on, the homeowner pays $9,500 + $1,800 + $1,200 = $12,500, almost the same as the proper quote, and also faces the neighbour's claim, possible permit issues and no receipts for a future insurance claim or sale.
FAQ
How do I check an RBQ licence?
Use the RBQ's online register of licence holders and search by name or licence number. Confirm the licence is valid and covers the work.
Does Ontario license roofers?
There is no general provincial licence for roofing contractors in Ontario. Check municipal licensing, insurance, WSIB and references, and read what a roofing contract should include.
Is a BBB rating a licence?
No. Private rating sites and accreditation are not government licences. Treat them as one input at most.
Sources
- Régie du bâtiment du Québec — licence register and consumer toolbox
- Government of Alberta — prepaid contracting licence
- Service Alberta — licensed business search
- BC Housing — residential builder licensing for new homes in BC
- Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada — provincial boards
- Red Seal Program — roofer trade standard
