PCA Statement on Resignation of Minister McNaughton

“We thank Minister McNaughton for making such an enormous contribution to the skilled trades and the construction industry,” said Karen Renkema, VP Ontario at the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA).

Today it was announced that Monte McNaughton, the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development is leaving provincial politics.

We congratulate him for working to modernize the apprenticeship and training system, increasing apprenticeship registrations, creating Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) and introducing the Skills Development Fund (SDF). The SDF has made it possible for hundreds of employers to train workers, and provided thousands of workers with the opportunity to learn a skilled trade.

McNaughton was also instrumental in reforming the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program and bringing a greater focus to career opportunities in the skilled trades.

“McNaughton was a strong, and genuine champion of the skilled trades,” added Renkema. “While we wish him much success in his future endeavours, we will miss the passion and commitment that he brought to his work.”