The Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario is celebrating the lightning-fast passage of a major Bill that cuts red tape and helps attract the next generation of automotive skilled trades workers.

On October 28, Bill 190 unanimously passed third and final reading in the Ontario Legislature. This is the first Bill to become law since the Legislature reconvened last week, highlighting the high priority placed on the skilled trades by Minister Piccini and Premier Ford.

“The swift passage of Bill 190 into law underscores Minister Piccini’s determination to cut red tape and make it easier for those wanting to enter the skilled trades,” said Frank Notte, Director of Government Relations for the MVRO. “Minister Piccini understands there is no time to waste as government and employers work to address the skilled trades shortage and is making real change to modernize the system.”

Bill 190, the Working for Workers Five Act, 2024, introduced by David Piccini, the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, cuts red tape by:

1. Creating a new pathway to enter the trades by allowing the use of “alternative criteria” that will be deemed equivalent to current academic standards. The definition of “alternative criteria” will be established once the Bill passes and the regulation is created; and
2. Extending authority to the Registrar of Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) or another qualified person to assess whether the alternative criteria have been satisfied. This would allow STO to have the authority to assess the competency of prospective skilled trade workers wanting to enter the workforce.

The MVRO believes STO is best equipped for this responsibility as they are the one-stop shop for licensing and regulating the trades.

“We congratulate Minister Piccini for getting Bill 190 across the finish line and look forward to continuing our work with him to support the next generation of automotive technicians,” said Notte.