Ontario Accepts Recommendations to Strengthen College of Trades

College of Trades

In partnership with the Ontario College of Trades, the province has accepted recommendations made by former Secretary of Cabinet Tony Dean in his report, Supporting a Strong and Sustainable Ontario College of Trades. Ontario will bring forward proposed legislative changes in the spring legislative session and will work closely with the college to implement Mr. Dean’s recommendations.

The College of Trades is an industry-driven governing body responsible for promoting and modernizing skilled trades in the province. Dean’s recommendations would help improve the college’s processes and clarify its mandate by

• supporting the existing trade boards to update and bring consistency to all trades’ scopes of practice

• reviewing how trades are classified through establishment of an independent and evidence-based process that will use risk of harm as a key criterion

• establishing clearer and more concise criteria on how journeyperson-to-apprentice ratios are determined

• developing an enforcement and compliance committee and appeal process to resolve potential conflicts earlier, as well as ensure enforcement activities are consistently carried out with safety and the public interest in mind.

The report was informed by an open and transparent year-long review that included consultations with several hundred tradespeople, employers and industry and trade boards representing more than 70 trades.

Ontario’s ongoing commitment to strengthen the skilled trades and apprenticeship system is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up. The plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

The Ontario College of Trades provides members with benefits such as recognition as a skilled-trades professional, enforcement of trade regulations, and a mechanism to ensure public safety through a discipline and complaints process.
The college has 237,000 active members in more than 150 apprenticeable trades, including the electrical, construction, industrial, motive power, and service sectors.

Read the report: www.ontario.ca/deanreport. Find out more about the college: http://www.collegeoftrades.ca.

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • WAGO Now Available at Vanco Electrical Solutions

    WAGO Now Available at Vanco Electrical Solutions

    June 2 2025 Vanco Electrical Solutions are excited to announce that Vanco Electrical Solutions has partnered with WAGO, making their full line of innovative spring‑pressure connection and automation products available online at vancoelectrical.com. From their groundbreaking Push‑in CAGE CLAMP® technology to flexible I/O systems, WAGO has built a reputation for reliability and ease of use across… Read More…

  • Sonepar Announces the Appointment of Rob Thibeault to President of Robertson Electric

    Sonepar Announces the Appointment of Rob Thibeault to President of Robertson Electric

    June 2, 2025 Sonepar is pleased to announce the promotion of Rob Thibeault to President Robertson Electric effective June 2, 2025. Rob joined Robertson in 2017, bringing with him extensive experience in retail and marketing. Rob’s skill and dedication quickly saw him taking on additional responsibilities in operations, pricing, and analytics. Demonstrating a keen understanding… Read More…

  • Hammond Power Solutions Appoints Phill Picassinos as New Regional Sales Manager for Eastern GTA

    Hammond Power Solutions Appoints Phill Picassinos as New Regional Sales Manager for Eastern GTA

    June 2, 2025 Hammond Power Solutions is pleased to announce the appointment of Phill Picassinos as the Regional Sales Manager for Eastern GTA, Ontario. Phill will lead HPS’ sales efforts in the Eastern GTA, focusing on strengthening customer relationships and implementing regional strategies that align with national sales objectives. “Phill brings a wealth of experience… Read More…

  • NSAA Now Accepting Applications for the Advisory Council of Apprentices

    NSAA Now Accepting Applications for the Advisory Council of Apprentices

    June 2, 2025 This new council will bring together current apprentices and recently certified journeypersons (within two years) to share their experiences, offer feedback, and help shape the future of apprenticeship training and certification in Nova Scotia. Members will receive an honorarium and have opportunities to contribute ideas directly to the apprenticeship system. Applications are… Read More…