Can I look up an Ottawa drywaller on the public trade register?

Skilled Trades Ontario maintains a public register, but drywall trades are not on it in a way that helps you check a specific person. Here is why.

Ontario has two drywall trades: "Drywall, acoustic and lathing applicator" and "Drywall finisher and plasterer". Both are prescribed trades under O. Reg. 876/21, but neither is compulsory. Skilled Trades Ontario says, for each trade, that because it is non-compulsory, the certificate does not have to be renewed and the information of individuals practising the trade will not appear on the Skilled Trades Ontario public register. So searching the register for a drywaller's name will not confirm whether they have trained, certificated or worked in the trade.

This does not mean anyone who picks up a trowel is equally qualified. It means the province has not made certification a condition of doing the work. Electrician and plumber are compulsory trades in Ontario, which is a different situation.

A few things worth checking on your own before hiring: ask for their insurance details in writing; ask whether they have WSIB coverage or are exempt from it as a home renovation contractor working directly for you; and ask for references from recent Ottawa jobs you can actually call. None of those things appear on any government register, so you have to ask directly.

For fire separation work, Type X assemblies or anything tied to a building permit, the City of Ottawa inspects the work under the permit; a trade register does not. If the job involves a permit, ask the contractor who is responsible for booking the City's inspections and what happens if one is missed.

Before any work starts, make sure you have a written contract that names the scope of work, the price, the start and completion dates, and the warranty terms.