Failures, Disputes and Official Sources
How to complain about a roofer or siding contractor in Canada
Step-by-step escalation for roofing and siding disputes in Canada: demand letters, provincial consumer offices, the RBQ, municipal licensing, small claims courts and the BC Civil Resolution Tribunal.
To complain effectively about a roofing or siding contractor in Canada, escalate in order: put the problem to the contractor in writing with photos and a deadline; send a formal demand letter if that fails; file a complaint with your provincial consumer protection office (and, in Quebec, check or report to the Régie du bâtiment du Québec); then make a money claim in small claims court, or in British Columbia the Civil Resolution Tribunal for claims up to $5,000. Keep the statutory holdback while the dispute is ongoing, watch limitation periods, and get legal advice if a lien is registered or the amount is large. Consumer offices can mediate, investigate and sometimes take enforcement action, but they generally cannot order a contractor to pay you; courts and tribunals can.
This guide is part of roofing problems and official sources. It is general information, not legal advice.
Step 1: write to the contractor
Describe the problem, refer to the contract or warranty clause, attach dated photos and ask for a specific remedy (repair, completion, refund) by a reasonable date. Email is fine if you keep copies; registered mail adds proof of delivery.
Step 2: demand letter
If nothing happens, send a demand letter that:
- Summarizes the contract, payments and problem.
- States the remedy and the amount claimed, if any.
- Sets a final deadline, for example 10 or 15 days.
- Says you will file a complaint and start a claim if not resolved.
In Quebec, a formal notice (mise en demeure) is commonly sent before suing, and the Office de la protection du consommateur provides templates and guidance.
Step 3: complaint bodies by province
| Province | Body | What it can do |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Consumer Protection Ontario | Accepts complaints, mediates with businesses, can investigate and lay charges under the Consumer Protection Act; publishes a consumer beware list |
| Quebec | Office de la protection du consommateur | Information, complaint tools, mise en demeure template, oversight of itinerant merchants |
| Quebec | Régie du bâtiment du Québec | Contractor licensing; can act on licence holders; consumers may claim on licence security in limited cases |
| British Columbia | Consumer Protection BC | Complaints about direct sales and other consumer contracts |
| Alberta | Service Alberta consumer investigations | Complaints under the Consumer Protection Act, including prepaid contracting licences |
| All | Municipal licensing office | Complaints where a city licenses contractors |
| All | Workers' compensation board | If a contractor is operating without required coverage |
Other provinces have consumer affairs offices with similar roles. Check the official site for the current complaint process.
Step 4: small claims and tribunals
| Jurisdiction | Forum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | Civil Resolution Tribunal (claims up to $5,000); Provincial Court small claims above that, up to its limit | CRT is online and designed for self-represented parties |
| Ontario | Small Claims Court, Superior Court of Justice | Limit set by regulation; check the current limit before filing |
| Quebec | Small Claims Division of the Court of Québec | Parties generally represent themselves; lawyers not usually allowed |
| Alberta | Court of Justice civil claims | Check the current limit |
| Other provinces | Small claims courts | Limits and fees vary |
Monetary limits change periodically, so check the current limit with the court or ministry of justice before you file. Fees are usually modest compared with the claim.
What to claim
You can generally claim your actual losses caused by the breach: cost to complete or repair by another contractor, cost of an independent inspection report, resulting damage, and sometimes refund of amounts paid for work not done.
Illustrative example: a roofer abandoned a job after tear-off and installing two-thirds of the shingles. Contract price $14,000; you paid $9,000. Another contractor charges $7,200 to finish and fix the incomplete flashing. Your cost is $9,000 + $7,200 = $16,200, which is $2,200 more than the contract price. You could claim $2,200 plus costs such as tarping ($350) and an inspection ($400): $2,950. You would not usually recover the whole $9,000, because you received some work for it.
Lien complications
If the original contractor did not pay a supplier or subcontractor, a lien may be registered against your property even while you are pursuing the contractor. Keep the holdback, do not pay it to the defaulting contractor, and get legal advice. See holdbacks under provincial lien acts.
Limitation periods
Each province sets deadlines for starting a claim, commonly two years from discovery in several provinces and generally three years in Quebec, with exceptions. Do not let a complaint process run past the deadline to sue; filing a complaint with a consumer office does not usually stop the clock.
Insurance disputes are different
If your complaint is about an insurer, not a contractor, the route is the insurer's internal complaint process, then the General Insurance OmbudService or your provincial insurance regulator. See home insurance roof claims.
Tips for a strong complaint
- Be factual and chronological.
- Attach the contract, payment proof, photos and messages.
- Quantify your loss with quotes.
- Keep emotion out; concentrate on the remedy.
- Note the contractor's licence number and any registration numbers.
FAQ
Can I post a negative review?
Yes, if it is truthful and fair. Stick to facts you can prove. Avoid allegations of crimes unless proven.
What if the contractor has gone out of business?
You can still file a claim against a corporation or sole proprietor, but collecting may be difficult. In Quebec, check whether the RBQ licence security could apply. Report scams; see storm chasers and roofing scams.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims?
Usually not; courts publish guides for self-represented parties. For larger claims or liens, get advice. Warranty-related claims are covered in manufacturer versus workmanship warranties.
Sources
- Consumer Protection Ontario — complaints
- Office de la protection du consommateur — Quebec complaints and formal notice
- Régie du bâtiment du Québec — contractor licences
- Consumer Protection BC — BC complaints
- Civil Resolution Tribunal — BC small claims up to $5,000
- Government of Alberta — consumer complaints
