Statement from James Barry, Executive Chairman, IBEW CCO
Since the day Minister McNaughton was appointed as Minister of Labour he has shown an incredible interest in the skilled trades portfolio, travelling across the province to visit training centres and learn more about the need for high standards to ensure safety and reliable infrastructure.
In my long history with the IBEW, I am not sure I have seen a Labour Minister invest so much time so quickly in learning and meeting with a cross section of industry representatives. He truly appears to be listening and sincere in his efforts to build bridges with the labour industry.
We are hopeful that with the Minister’s expanded portfolio he will take quick action to ensure regulations are in place to protect the integrity of the electrical trade and its scope of practise and to ensure it continues to be a restricted trade exclusive to licensed 309A journeypersons or registered apprentices. We believe this is integral to public and worker safety and to ensuring a skilled workforce for the future.