OGCA Endorses Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act

On Tuesday, May 25, OGCA President Giovanni Cautillo and Director of Government Relations David Frame presented to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Development in support of Bill 288, Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021.

The OGCA has previously talked about the significant issues with the Ontario College of Trades' functionality, particularly its inability to promote the skilled trades. We have advocated for a new organization responsible for recruiting new apprentices and providing the full suite of services to future tradespersons. The proposed legislation will create a new crown cooperation, Skilled Trades Ontario, to focus on training, certification, promotion of the skilled trades, and the development of a registration and customer services portal.

Giovanni Cautillo spoke to the skills shortage and the challenge it presents for the construction industry over the next ten years in our deputation. He welcomed the proposal for the government to partner with students, employers, unions, training centres and industry organizations to meet the challenge.

David Frame then expanded on the need for Skilled Trades Ontario, specifically that the division of responsibilities and we believe it provides a more significant opportunity for success. In his deputation, he argued that this approach will effectively work in concert with the other key areas, such as enforcement and apprenticeship ratios, that this government has aimed to address.

It is expected that the Bill will pass the legislature before the Ontario Legislature rises for the summer on June 4. OGCA will work closely with the Minister to support implementation and make plans to address the skills gap.