Yeah, the rule could have changed. In fact, it's changing again, in May 2009:
Ontario Amendments to the Canadian Electrical Code Part I, C22.1-09 New:
Quote:
Contractor -- any person who as principal, servant, or agent, by himself or herself or by associates, employees, servants, or agents performs or engages to perform, either for his or her own use and benefit or for that of another, and for or without remuneration or gain, any work with respect to any electrical installation or any other work to which this Code applies

So it sounds like "homeowner" isn't special any more (as of May 2009, and possibly already in an earlier revision). Reading further through the same document reveals that inspections are now required even for simply swapping a switch or outlet device for a new one or a new colour, unless the "contractor" meets strict training/licensing rules. That's also different from the past.

Cheers