LONDON, Ontario - Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities Chris Bentley has appointed Tim Armstrong to review compulsory certification in the skilled trades in Ontario.

Armstrong, a lawyer, public policy advisor, author, and recipient of the Order of Ontario, served in the Ontario government for 18 years, including terms as deputy minister of the Ministry of Labour and the former Ministry of Industry, Technology, and Trade. His review of skilled trades will look at compulsory certification in Ontario “to make sure our apprenticeship system continues to meet proper safety standards, provides value to consumers, and serves the needs of our growing economy,” said Bentley. Currently, 21 of the more than 140 skilled trades in Ontario that involve apprenticeship require compulsory certification.

Armstrong will also study the implications of expanding compulsory certification, including such factors as health and safety, consumer protection, and economic effect, and deliver his written report in six months’ time.

For more information, contact Sheamus Murphy at 416-325-7215 or Tanya Blazina at 416-325-2746.

Publication date: 09/24/2007