PCA Praises Ford Gov’t Plan to Break Down Resource Development & Skilled Trades Barriers

Toronto (November 15, 2018) – The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) commends the Ford government for its resolve to kick start development of the Ring of Fire and reform the skilled trades system. Both priorities were outlined today in the government’s first Fall Economic Statement.

“We’re very pleased this government recognizes the enormous economic potential of the Ring of Fire and the need to get moving on it,” said Sean Reid, Vice President and Regional Director, Ontario, for PCA. “With thousands of skilled jobs and billions in economic benefits at stake, this mining development is just too important to let stagnate.”

In addition to addressing delays in the Ring of Fire development, Ontario Finance Minister Vic Fedeli says the government will establish a special mining working group to focus on speeding up regulatory approvals and attracting major new investments to Northern Ontario. Fedeli also reiterated his government’s commitment to reforming the skilled trades system.

“We’re also pleased this government is focused on breaking down years of regressive regulation to open up new skilled trades opportunities,” added Reid. “The government’s ‘Making Ontario Open for Business Act,” includes bold measures that will help put thousands of people to work in skilled trades careers that are key to Ontario’s changing economy.”

The Ford government plans to review supports available to apprentices and businesses that employ them to ensure they’re the right supports to maintain Ontario’s highly skilled workforce.

About the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA)

PCA is the voice of progressive unionized employers in Canada’s construction industry. PCA member companies are leaders in infrastructure construction across Canada, employing more than 25,000 skilled construction workers who are represented primarily by CLAC. PCA promotes fair and open construction tendering in ALL Ontario municipalities.

For further information, contact:
Danna O’Brien, Danna@obriencommunications.ca 416-500-0699

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