Ontario Trades to Protest Schedule 17 on February 21

Ontario Trades to Protest Schedule 17 on February 21

 

February 8, 2017

The Progressive Certified Trades Coalition is urging all skilled trades, unionized or not, to attend a Queen’s Park rally in protest of Schedule 17 of Ontario’s Omnibus Bill 70.

Although Bill 70 has received Royal Assent, not all parts of it, including Schedule 17, have been proclaimed.

The coalition believes that Schedule 17 will erode the value of trade licences, and wants Premier Kathleen Wynne and Ontario Labour Minister Kevin Flynn to ensure the Ontario Labour Relations Board is directed to respect the scopes of practice of compulsory trades.

According to the coalition, Schedule 17 will 

  • allow unskilled labourers to do work currently being done by skilled trades. This is a safety risk to all the workers concerned, and to the public, says the coalition.
  • give the Ontario Labour Relations Board power to overturn decisions made by Ontario College of Trades inspectors regarding illegal workers and employers of illegal workers, and will be able to do on the basis of criteria established by the board, not the college. This could have enforcement implications.

Six demonstrations have already taken place in Toronto (November 30), and in Guelph, Kingston, London, Oakville, and Ottawa (January 19-20).

Find out more about Schedule 17: www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&BillID=4376.

Photo source: Progressive Certified Trades Coalition.

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • More Heat Pump Rebates on the Way in BC

    More Heat Pump Rebates on the Way in BC

    July 21, 2025 More British Columbians will benefit from a heat pump this summer with the B.C. government’s launch of a new program for income-qualified apartment renters and condo owners. The Better Homes Energy Savings Program Condo and Apartment Rebate will provide rebates up to $5,000 to support the purchase and installation of high-performance electric… Read More…

  • Noramco Announces Dallas Heal as Account Manager in Edmonton

    Noramco Announces Dallas Heal as Account Manager in Edmonton

    July 21, 2025 Noramco invites you to join in welcoming Dallas Heal as the company’s new Account Manager in Edmonton. Dallas brings over 20 years of hands-on experience in the electrical and construction industries, with a strong track record of leadership, technical expertise, and customer-focused service. He began his career as a Journeyman Electrician and… Read More…

  • Ontario Investing $7.5 Million to Help Businesses Go Digital

    Ontario Investing $7.5 Million to Help Businesses Go Digital

    July 21, 2025 The Ontario government is investing $7.5 million to protect small and medium-sized businesses across the province, helping them modernize and grow by adopting digital technologies. The Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) helps companies to transition and find made-in-Ontario digital solutions with expert guidance, training and up to $115,000 in targeted grants. “Small businesses are the backbone… Read More…

  • Ontario Building New Hospital in Brantford-Brant

    Ontario Building New Hospital in Brantford-Brant

    July 21, 2025 The Ontario government is investing an additional $12.5 million to support the planning and construction of a new Brant Community Healthcare System hospital, connecting more patients and families in Brant County, Six Nations of the Grand River and surrounding communities to more convenient, high-quality care close to home. This funding builds on the… Read More…