Open ProvincesProblems and disputes in Ontario: consumer complaints, small claims, workplace injury and legal aid
Who to contact in Ontario for a problem with a business, an unpaid debt, a workplace injury or when you cannot afford a lawyer.
What to do and who to contact when something goes wrong in Ontario. Each section gives the usual order of steps, then the official body and page. Rent disputes are on the renting page.
A problem with a business (consumer complaint)
Write to the business first, say what happened and what you want, and keep copies. If you paid by credit card you can ask the issuer about a chargeback. Then complain to the regulator.
Consumer Protection Ontario. Write to the business first, then file with the ministry online or with the PDF form. The ministry may investigate and can publish a business on the Consumer Beware List.
Official page: consumer complaints ↗
Money owed to you or damage caused (small claims)
Small claims court is a last resort. Send a written demand with a deadline, keep proof of delivery, and check the time limit to sue and the maximum amount in your province: both differ and have changed recently.
Small Claims Court (Superior Court of Justice). A claim is filed with the court, in person, by mail or online where eligible, then served on the defendant within a set time. A free online tool can help you complete the forms.
Hurt at work (workers' compensation)
Get medical attention, tell your employer straight away and report to the compensation board: deadlines differ by province and being late can cost you benefits. In several provinces it is illegal for an employer to ask you not to report.
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Report online and tell your employer as soon as possible; reporting late can reduce the wage-loss benefits you can receive.
Official page: report an injury ↗
You cannot afford a lawyer (legal aid)
Legal aid covers some problems only, often criminal, family and some civil matters, and uses a financial test. Duty counsel at the courthouse is often available without applying. Ask early: waiting lists exist.
Legal Aid Ontario. Apply by phone, through the online client portal (for some situations) or in person in certain settings. You need proof of income and papers about your case.
Official page: apply for legal aid ↗
Scams and fraud
If you were scammed or your identity was stolen, see the step-by-step help under where to start.
Procedures only: fees, limits, forms and time limits change and differ, so each official page is the authority. General information, not legal advice; a community legal clinic can help. Quebec has its own rules: see AtlasQuébec.
Guides for this province
- Renting in Ontario: rights, rent increases and average rents
- Working in Ontario: minimum wage, standards and wages
- Moving to Ontario: health card, driver's licence and taxes
- Cost of living in Ontario: prices, rent, wages and taxes
- Buying a home in Ontario: land transfer tax, rebates and first-time buyer help
- Health care in Ontario: health card, drug plans and dental help
- Studying in Ontario: tuition, student aid and grants
- Seniors in Ontario: pensions, supplements and programs
- Taxes in Ontario: income tax rates, sales tax and take-home pay (2026)
- Families in Ontario: child benefits and family programs
- Documents and ID in Ontario: birth certificate and change of name
- Starting a business in Ontario: register a name, GST/HST and licences
- Problems and disputes in Ontario: consumer complaints, small claims, workplace injury and legal aid
- Driving and vehicles in Ontario: switching your licence and what is required
- Photo ID card in Ontario without a driver's licence: who can apply, documents and fee
- Getting married in Ontario: marriage licence, fees and documents
- Health card in Ontario: who qualifies, waiting period and how to register
- When someone dies in Ontario: death certificate, estate and probate
- Registering a child for school in Ontario: age, documents and where to sign up
- Child care in Ontario: fees, finding a space and subsidies
- Immigrating to Ontario: nominee program, steps and processing times
- Accessible parking permit in Ontario: how to apply
- Alcohol rules in Ontario: legal age and where to buy
- Car insurance in Ontario: what is compulsory and where to buy it
- Cannabis rules in Ontario: legal age, where to buy and where to use
- Disability income and supports in Ontario: how to apply
- Prescription drug coverage in Ontario: public plans and how to enrol
- Emergency preparedness in Ontario: alerts, evacuation and your 72-hour kit
- Separation, parenting and child support in Ontario: free help and enforcement
- Help for family violence and victims of crime in Ontario
- Fishing and hunting licences in Ontario: where to buy and what you need
- Health advice line (811) in Ontario: speak to a nurse any time
- Indigenous relations and services in Ontario: who does what
- Marriage licence fee in Ontario
- New drivers in Ontario: graduated licensing stages and minimum ages
- Provincial parks and camping reservations in Ontario
- Probate fees in Ontario: what an estate pays
- Social assistance in Ontario: how to apply for income support
- Social housing and rent help in Ontario: how to apply
- Student loans and grants in Ontario: where to apply
- Voting in Ontario: register, check your status and find your election office
- Wills, powers of attorney and health care directives in Ontario