Proposed Membership Fees Nothing Short of a Tax Grab: Ontario Construction Employers Coalition

A recent press release from the Ontario Construction Employers Coalition calls a proposal to impose membership fees on the province’s skilled trades workers and employers nothing short of an $84 million “tax grab.”

“This is a huge amount of money the McGuinty government wants to pick from the pockets of Ontarians who work hard to make their living in the skilled trades,” said Sean Reid, Coalition chair, in a release.

“A scant list of five bullets of proposed “benefits” doesn’t even come close to justifying an $84 million price tag for Ontario tradespeople and their employers. The Ontario College of Trades has yet to demonstrate any benefits to our industry that don’t already exist today without the College,” said Karen Renkema, Coalition vice chair.

The Ontario College of Trades is proposing to impose the following annual membership fee ranges:

• $50 – $100 for Apprentices
• $100 -$200 for Journeypersons
• $100 – $600 for Employers depending on whether they are small, medium or large
• $50 – $100 for a new class of Tradesworkers (compulsory and voluntary)

In its formal submission to the Ontario College of Trades, the Coalition outlines 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.

“Without transparency, accountability, or explanation of any real benefits to the skilled trades sector, the College is in no position to impose a new $84 million tax on Ontario trades workers and employers, and we’re in no position to accept it. This entire process is flawed,” Reid added, “and that’s why this membership fee proposal must be scrapped.”