Skilled trades employers call for halt of compulsory certification process
November 14, 2013 | By HPAC Magazine
The Ontario Skilled Trades Alliance recently submitted a request to the Ontario College of Trades asking it to:
• Pause the trade classification review for the Sprinkler and Fire Protection Installer Trade.
• Not schedule any further trade classification reviews.
• Complete a critical and transparent evaluation of the ratio review process. The outcomes of this evaluation may then be used to information revisions to the trade classification review process.
The sumission, titled Review of the Classification of Trade: Sprinkler and Fire Protection Installer Trade, cites “significant concerns with inconsistencies in the review criteria.”
“The compulsory certification of trades will have a tremendous impact on the Ontario construction industry, and moreover, the economy. We can’t afford to get this wrong,” said chair of the Ontario Skilled Trades Alliance Karen Renkema. “We have grave concerns the inconsistencies in the ratio review process seen in the last year will be replicated in the current compulsory certification process. That’s why we’re calling on the Ontario Government and College of Trades to take appropriate action and halt all reviews immediately until a detailed re-evaluation is completed.”
According to Renkema, who is senior manager, public affairs with the Progressive Contractors Association, concerns have already been raised with the lack of information about the timelines, lack of burden of proof and lack of notification and research available to stakeholders. “That is why employers across the skilled trades are raising their concerns now to urge the government to halt the existing process and conduct a thorough review,” added Renkema.
“We look forward to participating in a compulsory certification process that is clear, consistent, and based on set timelines and criteria,” said Stephen Hamilton, manager, government relations for the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA). “That is why we’re asking the government to do the right thing and stop the compulsory certification process before it does real damage to tradespeople, businesses and the Ontario economy.”
