Trades Today Spring 2014 Page 8

Protecting you and the public

The Facts

he Ontario College of Trades (the College) is
responsible for protecting the public interest by
ensuring that individuals working in a compulsory

trade have the required qualifications to do so.
The College currently has 41 enforcement officers
throughout Ontario to maintain high industry standards
while protecting the public.

What is the College enforcing?

There are two categories of enforcement: incidents and
formal complaints.
Incidents involve allegations of violations of the

Ontario

College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act, 2009 (OCTAA)
and are dealt with by way of the Provincial Offences Act,
that commonly results in ticketing or a summons to attend
provincial court.
Formal Complaints involve allegations of violations that
relate to members of the College whose behaviour in the
workplace may be alleged as professional misconduct,
incompetence or incapacity. Formal complaints are dealt
with by way of hearings before a committee at the College.
REMEMBER: The

Ontario College of Trades and

Apprenticeship Act, 2009 requires that members carry
proof of membership on their person at all times while
working.

What's the College's role when it comes to
enforcement?

Work towards establishing a level playing field--where
the effect of the underground economy is diminished.

Investigate any complaints of professional misconduct,
incompetence or incapacity that are made against the
College's members.

Conduct inspections and ensure fair and impartial
treatment for its members while protecting the public.

Respond to concerns and incidents reported by the
public.

Ensure that anyone engaging in the practice of a
compulsory trade is a member in good standing with
the College.

What to expect when you're inspected:

· Upon arrival at a workplace,

enforcement officers will
identify themselves. The
officers carry identification
indicating their number and
status with the College. They
also carry a permit that
includes their picture and
information about their powers
to enforce.

The College's official logo will be visible on clothing
worn by the enforcement officer or equipment in their
possession, including warrant cards, business cards
and College vehicle.

If you work in a compulsory trade, legally you must
carry your active (i.e. not expired) College membership
card on you.

Employers are not required to produce proof of
membership (as membership is voluntary for
employers) but they may be required to produce
records to confirm compliance with journeyperson to
apprenticeship ratio requirements.

OFFENDER

Individual

Apprentice

Employer

OFFENCE

Engaging in compulsory trade no membership
in good standing in the College
Holding self out as able to engage in
compulsory trade no Certificate of
Qualification

Engaging in compulsory trade no Registered
Training Agreement/statement of membership
in good standing in the College.
Holding self out as an apprentice who is able
to engage in compulsory trade no Registered
Training Agreement/statement of membership
in good standing in the College.

Employing or otherwise engaging individual to
work in compulsory trade that does not have
membership in good standing at the College
Employing or otherwise engaging apprentice
to work in compulsory trade no Registered
Training Agreement /statement of membership
in good standing in the College.