April 19, 2018 — The Ontario College of Trades recently announced officers will be performing compliance and enforcement inspections in the construction sector to coincide with the start of increased building and renovation activity during the spring and summer.

Inspections will be consistent with the College’s new compliance and enforcement policy, with a focus on high-risk workplaces and work activity in the underground economy and the protection of vulnerable workers.

These inspections will be supported by information exchanges with other regulators.

“Ontarians should feel confident that when someone is hired to work on their home or public spaces that the work is being done by qualified and certified skilled trades professionals,” said George Gritziotis, the College’s CEO and registrar. “As the provincial regulator of skilled trades, we are working to ensure that compulsory trade work in high risk of harm activities are performed by qualified individuals.”

As part of the implementation of the new compliance and enforcement policy, the College has given its officers enhanced training, tools and support. Select officers will also be dedicated to the construction sector.

Additionally, officers will assist with the educational component of compliance and enforcement.