In response to Mr. Electrician, There are many reasons licensed electrical contractors are the one who can take out permits. I have heard about this money grab time and time again, however this amount is insignificant in an overall sense and significantly cheaper if you are sued. The current regulation enacted beginning Jan. 2007 also allows homeowners to take permits out for their own home as well as industry employing an electrician on their payroll. My costs for licensing as an electrical contractor are as follows:(all yearly costs) $350.00 Contractor license from ESA; $750.00 for insurance; and WSIB costs (if employees) are all requirements for the contractors license from ESA. You also have to be up to date on your taxes as well. I realize license electricians know what they are doing on the job (most), however you still run the risk of being sued if the worst happens (unlikely, but true) as well insurance companies are requiring more paperwork everyday for their clients. Remember rules are often made to protect us from stupid people making stupid mistakes. I agree with you on seminars offered by HD, Rona, et.c, should not have any electrical themes. I dream of the day that the government or industry steps in and prevents any electrical materials from being sold to anyone without a license, or only sold at wholesalers. The current regulations passed in 2007 are a step in the right direction for reducing the black market/no permits jobs, however it is not the complete solution. Everything has a cost and spread out over many customers it doesn't become a concern.
