FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2018
Merit Ontario Praises Premier Ford and Minister Fullerton for increasing opportunities FOR THE PEOPLE in Skilled Trades
Toronto—The Ford Government today announced significant measures that mean immediate job opportunities for the people working in construction across Ontario.
“Reducing the ratio system to 1:1 will allow our member companies to immediately hire additional apprentices. A lack of workers is the number one issues facing my members and this policy change will significantly help them find and train those workers.” said Michael Gallardo, Merit Ontario Executive Director.
Ontario is facing a skilled labour shortage, with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce issuing a report that found 60% of its members who tried to recruit a worker in the second half of 2016 struggled to find one with the proper qualifications. Moreover, Skills Canada estimates that 40% of new jobs in the next decade will be in the skilled trades, but only 26% of young people are considering a career in this area. Furthermore, the Auditor General has found that less than half the people who begin an apprenticeship in Ontario complete it.
“The Ontario College of Trades (OCOT) was created to try to address Ontario’s skilled labour challenges, but the Province remains one of the most restrictive in the country when it comes to journeyman-to-apprentice ratios. Therefore, we are pleased to see that the Ford Government intends to introduce legislation to abolish the College of Trades” said Gallardo.
Merit Ontario represents and supports the growth of open shop construction by encouraging sound business practices and ensuring a fair and competitive marketplace for construction in Ontario.
To view our backgrounder on restrictive ratios in Ontario please see https://www.meritontario.com/advocacy/job-creation-for-the-people-ratio-modernization/
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For more information, contact: Michael Gallardo
mgallardo@meritontario.com