Membership grows in employers coalition opposing Ontario College of Trades

July 9, 2012

Membership grows in employers coalition opposing Ontario College of Trades

TORONTO

Two more associations have joined the Ontario Construction Employers Coalition (OCEC) in their campaign against the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT).

The Heavy Construction Association of Regional Niagara (HCARN) and the Hamilton and District Heavy Construction Association are the newest members of the coalition which is urging the Ontario Liberal government to shut down the College, which is scheduled to open its doors on Jan. 1, 2013.

?We?d like to speed up infrastructure spending, not see it slowed down by another layer of cost and bureaucracy,? said Bob Hunter, HCARN president in a release.

?The College of Trades will amount to nothing more than a tax grab and bureaucratic roadblock.?

OCOT recently released its proposed membership fees, which range from $50 to $600 annually, depending on whether the member is an apprentice, journeyperson, tradesworker or employer/sponsor.

OCEC estimates the membership fees will bring in $84 million.

?Construction employers from across the province are uniting in the fight to stop the College and its tax plan,? said Sean Reid OCEC chair in a release. ?An $84 million tax on trades doesn?t just send a shiver through the industry; it will drive up costs for all Ontarians.?

In a formal submission to the OCOT the coalition outlined several concerns, including a lack of transparency and information around the College?s budgetary requirements, future business plans, and how the College will be financially accountable to Ontarians.

?Ontario has struggled for years to attract more people to the skilled trades,? added Reid.

?The College and its bureaucracy will drive experienced people out, and discourage many from considering trades as a career choice. That?s the sad reality, and that?s why the College must be stopped.?

Other OCEC members include: Conestoga Heavy Construction Association, Durham Regional Heavy Contractors Association, Greater Toronto Sewer & Watermain Contractors Association, HCAT - Heavy Construction Association of Toronto, Merit Openshop Contractors Association of Ontario, Ontario Electrical League, Ontario General Contractors Association, Ontario Road Builders Association, Ontario Sewer & Watermain Construction Association, Progressive Contractors Association of Canada, Residential Construction Council of Ontario and Sarnia Heavy Construction Association.

DCN NEWS SERVICES

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Source: http://www.dcnonl.com/article/id50938

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