The Ontario Liberal government took a page from the former Tory government of Stephen Harper by hiding significant law amendments inside a huge Omnibus Bill known as C 70, which received Royal Assent on December 8, 2016. In this case amendments to the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act (the Act) and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. These amendments have diluted the enforcement powers of the College and devalue the Certificates of Qualification and compulsory trades. It also allows employers to outsource Health and Safety training and opt out of workplace inspections.
There are currently 22 compulsory trades in Ontario.
A person must hold a valid Certificate of Qualification, or be registered as an apprentice in a given trade and a member of the College, to work or be employed in that trade.
Certification is compulsory to ensure that anyone engaged in the practice of trades which pose risks to workers, public safety or consumer protection.
The law will now allow individuals without certification to do work within the scope of theses trades.
Bill 70 has neutered the regulatory body mandated to protect the public.
Business will benefit from using cheaper labour but the cost could be lives and ultimately higher expenses when work is done improperly.
The province has taken a massive step back in consumer protection and in skills and training promotion.
Prior to the Health and Safety Act amendments, workplace training was conducted by accredited organizations such as the Ontario Workers Health and Safety Centre. Now the Act allows employers to outsource training to groups not affiliated with labour or the employer base. Employers are now allowed not only to outsource the training but opt out of Ministry of Labour workplace inspections once this outsourced training is completed and verified by the Ministry.