Ottawa, Ontario — Bill 190, the Working for Workers Five Act, 2024, which aims to create “alternate criteria” for entering the skilled trades, is set to be reviewed and voted on by Ontario members of the Provincial Parliament (MPPs).
The bill, which was first introduced by David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, specifically aims to create new pathways to enter into the skilled trades by allowing the use of “alternative criteria” equivalent to current academic standards.
Notably, the bill outlines how alternate pathways would include: introducing the Focused Apprenticeship Skills Training (“FAST”) program for high school students to get apprenticeship training alongside their regular studies; launching an online job portal to help apprentices, journeypersons, and employers to connect easily for networking and job opportunities; and
creating alternative paths into skilled trades for career changers based on professional experience, bypassing strict academic requirements.
The bill also states that the province “understands that removing barriers and helping people enter the skilled trades will increase Ontario’s economic competitiveness, support Ontario businesses, meet Ontario’s labour market needs and provide more opportunities and bigger paycheques for Ontario workers.”
Furthermore, the legislation dictates that “Bill 190 introduces a shift in the way employers are required to handle job postings in Ontario. The legislation proposes that all publicly advertised job postings must include a statement disclosing whether the posting is for an existing vacancy.”
Frank Notte, director of government relations for the Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario (MVRO) further commented in a statement that “Minister Piccini understands an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ approach is required to address Ontario’s critical automotive trades shortage and Bill 190 is a big part of that.”
While no date has been set for the most recent vote on Bill 190, the MVRO said it is likely to happen in the coming weeks.
To see the proposed bill, click here.
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