June 14, 2017 – As a result of amendments to the Ontario College of Trades & Apprenticeship Act (OCTAA) made by Bill 70, the college was mandated to develop—for the first time—a Compliance & Enforcement Policy, which was made public in May.

Thanks to Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario (ECAO) for letting us know.

The policy (PDF download below) sets out the general principles the college intends to follow in relation to compliance & enforcement of OCTAA and its regulations.

According to ECAO, the college (OCoT) has committed itself—for the first time—to enforcing the journeyperson-to-apprentice ratio requirements established under OCTAA.

The policy also establishes the underground economy as a primary area of risk where enforcement activities should be focused. It is important to recognize, says ECAO, that vigorous enforcement of sections dealing with this matter is necessary “to protect consumers, workers and the fair functioning of the marketplace”.

“When employers are allowed to violate the OCTAA they gain an unfair economic advantage over their law-abiding competitors,” writes ECAO.

Finally, ECAO concludes, OCoT has identified the protection of vulnerable workers (including young workers and newcomers to Canada) as an important enforcement priority.

DOWNLOAD OCoT’s document “Compliance & Enforcement Policy” below (PDF).