Concrete Work Licensing in Quebec

Concrete work in Quebec requires contractors to hold the appropriate RBQ licence for construction work. On regulated construction sites (governed by Act R-20), cement finishers must hold a CCQ competency certificate. The cement finisher apprenticeship through the CCQ consists of two periods of 2,000 hours each (4,000 hours total, approximately 2 years). Building permits are typically required for driveways, foundations, and structural concrete work. For foundation work, structural engineering by a licensed OIQ member may be required. Red Seal endorsement is available for concrete finishers.

Ask for the contractor's RBQ licence number and verify it on the RBQ's online Licence Holders' Registry.

(1) Skips the gravel base or uses insufficient thickness - leads to cracking and heaving (2) No reinforcement (rebar or mesh) in driveways or structural slabs (3) No WSIB coverage or liability insurance (4) Does not pull permits for driveway or structural work (5) Rushes the curing process or does not apply sealer

(1) What base preparation and thickness of gravel will you use? (2) Will the concrete be reinforced with rebar or wire mesh? (3) Do you carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage? (4) What sealer will you apply, and how long should the concrete cure before use? (5) What warranty do you offer against cracking?

Yes, concrete works in Quebec are expected to carry liability insurance.

The Red Seal endorsement is a nationally recognized certification that allows tradespeople to work across all Canadian provinces and territories without additional testing. A Red Seal-endorsed tradesperson has met a standardized level of competency.

In Quebec, most contractors performing construction work must hold an RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) licence. You can verify any contractor's licence on the RBQ's online Licence Holders' Registry at rbq.gouv.qc.ca. Always ask for the licence number and verify it before hiring.

Typical rates for concrete works in Quebec range from $60-$100/hour. Square footage, concrete finish type (plain, stamped, exposed aggregate, coloured), thickness of the slab, site preparation requirements (excavation, grading, gravel base), reinforcement (rebar or wire mesh), forming complexity, accessibility for concrete trucks, and weather conditions. Urban centres are 15-25% higher than rural areas. Prices have seen 3-6% annual increases due to rising cement costs, carbon taxes, and labour shortages.