# Becoming a Contractor in Canada
In Canada, construction is regulated mostly at the **provincial and territorial** level — not nationally.
## Key features
- **Skilled trades** are provincially regulated, but the **Red Seal** endorsement standardizes many trades so they're recognized across provinces.
- A "general contractor" often isn't a single license, but you'll need **business registration** and frequently **municipal licensing/permits**.
- **Residential builders are licensed** in several provinces — for example:
- **Quebec** — an **RBQ** contractor license is required.
- **Ontario** — new-home builders register with the **HCRA** (and the Tarion warranty program).
- **British Columbia** — **Licensed Residential Builder** through BC Housing.
## Practical path
Identify your **province**, check whether your work needs a builder license, get your **trade certification (Red Seal where applicable)**, register your business, and confirm municipal requirements.
**Takeaway:** In Canada, think provincial: Red Seal for trades, and province-specific builder licensing (RBQ in Quebec, HCRA in Ontario, BC Housing in BC).
> ⚠️ *International overview only — not legal advice. Contractor rules vary widely by country (and by region within a country) and change often. Always confirm with the official licensing/registration authority in that country and a local professional before relying on this.*
