IBEW CCO: Ontario Budget Requires a Highly Skilled Workforce

IBEW CCO

Apr 14, 2019

Input from experts in skilled trades essential

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and Construction Council of Ontario are together calling on the Ontario government to ensure it provides proper input from established industry experts before implementing any regulations that impact the electrical trade, particularly to their scope of practice.

IBEW CCO represents 11 IBEW local unions across Ontario serving over 16,000 men and women in various electrical sectors:  industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI), maintenance, residential, communications, linework and renewable energy/solar.

Last week’s provincial budget announcement included major investments in infrastructure. This requires properly trained journeypersons who can do the work safely and effectively,” says James Barry, Executive Chairman of the IBEW CCO.

The budget included the announcement of a “skills set” approach for skilled trades that would mean individuals without proper certification could potentially do aspects of work currently restricted to highly skilled trades like electrician. Currently in Ontario, an individual must have a certificate of qualification or be a registered apprentice to do the work of anyone in a compulsory trade.

“We appreciate the government is trying to address a large number of trades in one framework, but for a complex trade that has a high level of risk like electrician, we want to ensure that they don’t lower standards, putting workers and the public at risk.”

“I believe it is critical to protect the integrity of the trade of Electrician 309A-Construction and Maintenance, regardless of your affiliation, union or non union, it does not matter. This will be essential to attracting and maintaining apprentices in the trade.”

Barry says he is open to meaningful discussions with the government to address his concerns and to help ensure we have a properly trained workforce for the future and to protect the integrity of skilled trades.

“Our training record speaks for itself. We have the highest completion rates for apprentices in our trade with a strong focus on continual improvement to meet the needs of the future,” adds Barry.

Barry also stresses the importance of the nationally recognized Red Seal Program, which needs to be part of any regulatory regime that involves the skilled trades.

He notes the public will only benefit from proper training standards if there is an effective compliance model.

“I believe that it makes sense to have the compliance managed through established regulatory bodies that have knowledge of those trades, such as the Electrical Safety Authority for electricians,” says Barry.

“Our goal has always been to ensure Ontario has the best trained electrical workers who can do work safely and professionally whether it’s wiring airports, hospitals or your home. We look forward to working with all interested parties including other compulsory trades to find solutions that promote an effective business model, provide incentives for apprenticeship and protect the value of training and certification.”

In Ontario, more than 55,000 individuals who hold a 309A electrician’s license and more than 200,000 journeypersons in total work in trades that are currently compulsory.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • The Non-Residential Sector Declines in All Three Components Despite Sustained Industrial Permit Level

    The Non-Residential Sector Declines in All Three Components Despite Sustained Industrial Permit Level

    November 4, 2024 The total value of building permits in Canada decreased by $858.1 million (-7.0%) to $11.5 billion in August, following a strong July during which construction intentions rose sharply (+20.8%). The residential and non-residential sectors contributed to the decrease in August. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), the total value of building permits decreased 7.6% in… Read More…

  • A Slight Decrease in Residential Building Construction for August

    A Slight Decrease in Residential Building Construction for August

    November 4, 2024 Investment in building construction edged up 0.2% to $21.0 billion in August, after a 1.6% decrease in July. The residential sector edged down (-0.1%) to $14.6 billion, while the non-residential sector was up 1.0% to $6.4 billion. Year over year, investment in building construction grew 7.2% in August. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), investment in building construction was… Read More…

  • When a Familiar Door Closes

    When a Familiar Door Closes

    November 4, 2024 By Keith Sones, seasoned utility industry executive Most of the articles I’ve written have been based on personal experiences, many of them occurring decades ago, which eventually translate into helpful life lessons. The years allow the events to marinate in a savoury stew of time and reflection, clarity never coming immediately, or even… Read More…

  • Regulatory Changes to Manitoba Apprenticeship and Certification System

    Regulatory Changes to Manitoba Apprenticeship and Certification System

    November 4, 2024 Effective October 30, 2024, Manitoba’s apprenticeship and certification system will undergo regulatory changes. These changes aim to enhance responsiveness to industry needs, align with Red Seal standards, and improve the quality of apprentice training and safety. Go HERE for more information Source Read More…


Changing Scene