November 20, 2012

Timmins Construction Association joins College of Trades opposition

TIMMINS, ONT.

The Timmins Construction Association is the 20th organization to join the Ontario Construction Employers Coalition (OCEC) in its campaign to shut down the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT).

“We’re being forced to pay a new trades tax to support the College, yet we’re getting nothing in return,” said Bob Burey, director at the Timmins Construction Association, in a new release. “This tax will drive up construction costs in Timmins, and drive people out of skilled trades. We joined the campaign because we can’t afford to let that happen.”

The www.stopthetradestax.com campaign “is about stopping this egregious and unnecessary tax at a time tradespeople need support, not more taxes,” says the OCEC.

The OCEC says OCOT membership fees will add up to $84 million. In past interviews with the Daily Commercial News, OCOT officials have said that the membership fees are not a tax and will provide value added services to its membership.

In a formal submission to the Ontario College of Trades, 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.

When fully operational, OCOT will represent 157 skilled trades in the construction, motive power, industrial and service sectors. It is expected to begin accepting members on Apr. 8, 2013.

DCN NEWS SERVICES

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