Newfoundland Contractor License Requirements

Due to the flow of petroleum revenues the province of Newfoundland and Labrador has been growing steadily. In days past skilled tradespeople were involved in a “brain drain” from the province usually out to Alberta or B.C. Now there is a high demand for the construction trades here. Now a young person can take a plumber or electrician apprenticeship and expect to be hired right in his or her home province. For St. John’s to Corner Brook contractors are building new homes and renovating bathrooms and kitchens using home-grown help.

As with most of the provinces in Canada the province of Newfoundland and Labrador puts forward courses leading to Certificates of Qualification (C of Q) for most of its trades. In addition there is a “Real Seal” initiative for many of these trades provided by the Interprovincial Standards Program that allows qualifications to be recognized across the country. In the past it was important for tradespeople going out west however now the province may be in the business of importing some skilled labour because it has a need for them now.

Electrician

As it is with all provinces in Canada except British Columbia and Manitoba the electrical trade in Newfoundland requires a Certification of Qualification (C of Q) or to be registered in the apprentice program. The work of an electrician in Newfoundland includes the installation and maintenance of wiring, controls and other electrical devices. For power facilities there is addition training and certification but this done on company-per-company basis. An electrician is required for the installation of lights, appliances and other systems in kitchen and bathroom renovations.

In Canada there is a “Red Seal” program provided by the Interprovincial Standards Program. This allows different trades to be standardized across the country and makes moving to a different area easier. In provinces such as Quebec where licensing is required further accreditation is required.

Plumber

In Newfoundland being a plumber involves mastering many jobs such as fixing pipelines, repairing faucets, installing hydronic heating units and bathrooms and kitchens. To work in plumbing requires a Certification of Qualification (C of Q) or to be registered in the apprentice program. There is a “Red Seal” program, provided by the Interprovincial Standards Program that allows plumbing qualifications to be standardized across the country. However, in Newfoundland and Labrador plumbers are not required to have certification so these tradespeople will have to take further accreditation to work in provinces such as Quebec.

Oil Burner Mechanic

Many households in Newfoundland have been dependent on oil burning heating units for many years. Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics install and maintain oil, coal and wood heating systems in residential and commercial buildings. There is a “Red Seal” certification provided by the Interprovincial Standards Program.

Sheet Metal

Sheet metal workers fabricate, assemble, install and repair sheet metal products. Persons in this trade are employed by sheet metal fabrication companies, sheet metal products companies, sheet metal  contractors and industrial sectors where heavy ductwork and ventilation is required. Sheet metal workers can also apply for the “Red Seal” program.

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics install, maintain, repair and overhaul residential central air conditioning systems, commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems and combined heating, ventilation and cooling systems. They are employed by refrigeration and air conditioning installation contractors, various industrial settings, food wholesalers, engineering firms and retail and servicing establishments. Transport refrigeration mechanics are included in this unit group and there is also a “Red Seal” program

Heritage Carpentry

For many older homes and institutions there is a need for carpenters who can repair the old wooden adornments and rebuild ones that have been destroyed. This has led to the designation of a Heritage Carpenter. Graduates of this program will be able to combine new construction techniques and technology with the old traditional “shipbuilding” carpentry skills. This will enable them to successfully complete all types of finished renovation work including preservation, full renovations and restoration projects. Many kitchen and bathroom renovations for heritage properties have been completed by carpenters with this trade designation. There is also a “Red Seal” program.

Although there is no trade designation when hiring a general contractor (GC) in Newfoundland and Labrador a general contracting company should have a license to do business in either in the province as a whole or one of cities. This is the way contractors are regulated in the province. Homeowners wanting a bathroom or kitchen renovation should always check with the licensing office before hiring someone to do major work on his or her home.