Toronto (May 6, 2021) – Finally, the end of the Ontario College of Trades! The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA), which has long been a vocal critic of OCOT, is delighted the province is taking a fresh start through Skilled Trades Ontario, a proposed new crown agency aimed at making it easier for people to work in the skilled trades.
“It’s about time the focus shifted, with the emphasis on doing away with the bureaucratic maze and helping more people succeed in skilled trades careers,” said Karen Renkema, Vice President, Ontario, of the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA). “We’re delighted to close the chapter on OCOT and excited about working with the proposed new agency.”
Today, the province introduced legislation called the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, aimed at simplifying the skilled trades and apprenticeship system so it’s more straightforward for apprentices and more accessible for those trying to break into the trades.
“We support the agency’s mandate to broaden the appeal of the skilled trades, and help aspiring skilled tradespeople put their skills to work,” added Renkema. “That has to be the focus if Ontario is ever going to attract, train and build the skilled workforce it needs.”
PCA is hopeful that Skilled Trades Ontario will take a different tact, involving employers in a revamped skilled trades system that serves all employers fairly by not favouring one labour model over another.
About the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA)
PCA has been a leading industry voice in construction for more than two decades. We’re a national association representing some of Canada’s most accomplished construction companies. They employ more than 25,000 skilled workers across Canada, represented primarily by CLAC. PCA is a strong advocate of a fair, open, and competitive construction market.
For further information, contact:
Danna O’Brien, Danna@obriencommunications.ca 416-500-0699