Is a taper and a drywall hanger the same trade in Ontario?

No, they are two separate prescribed trades in Ontario, though one person or company sometimes does both.

Ontario's O. Reg. 876/21 lists two distinct trades. "Drywall, acoustic and lathing applicator" covers the hanging side: measuring, cutting and fastening gypsum board to walls and ceilings. "Drywall finisher and plasterer" covers the finishing side: embedding tape, applying joint compound, sanding, skimming and repairing existing taping and plaster. Skilled Trades Ontario describes the finisher and plasterer scope as including "surfacing, taping and finishing wallboard" and "repairing drywall taping and plaster."

Both trades are non-compulsory, meaning a certificate is not required to do the work. Because neither trade is compulsory, Skilled Trades Ontario's public register does not list individuals practising them, so there is no register you can search to confirm a credential. On a larger renovation, a contractor may send a hanger for one phase and a taper for another, or one person may carry both skills. What matters for your job is asking each contractor which part of the work they are quoting and whether they are doing both phases themselves or subcontracting one of them.

On the question of coverage, people who own or run a business in construction must register with the WSIB, with some exceptions. Independent operators doing work on an existing private residence directly hired by the homeowner who lives there may be exempt from compulsory WSIB coverage. Ask any contractor you hire whether they have WSIB coverage or are exempt, and ask them to put that answer in writing along with the scope of work.

If the house was built before 1990, have whoever does the work confirm in writing who is responsible for arranging an asbestos test before any cutting, sanding or scraping begins.