Wsib Certificate Search -

: In Ontario, obtaining a clearance is legally required for construction projects before work starts and before final payments are released.

| Term | What it shows | |------|----------------| | | Confirms the employer has paid all WSIB premiums (or has a valid payment arrangement) and is not in default. Required when bidding on or performing construction projects (as a contractor or subcontractor). | | Certificate of Insurance (COI) | Not an official WSIB document; it’s a letter or screen print from the WSIB portal showing the employer is registered and in good standing. Some non‑construction clients ask for this to verify coverage. | wsib certificate search

Scenario: You are a general contractor hiring a roofing sub‑trade. : In Ontario, obtaining a clearance is legally

While all Ontario employers with insurable workers require a clearance certificate, the WSIB certificate search is most rigorously applied within the construction industry. This sector has historically been plagued by issues related to the "underground economy"—businesses that operate off the books to avoid paying taxes and insurance premiums. This creates an uneven playing field; non-compliant contractors can offer lower bids because they are cutting corners on safety and insurance, undercutting law-abiding businesses. | | Certificate of Insurance (COI) | Not

: If you don't have their account number, you can search by: Legal or trade business name CRA business number Business address, city, or postal code Telephone number Why You Need to Search