For immediate release
Wednesday June 8th, 2005

Victory For Scott As New Apprenticeship Is Created

Laurie Scott’s call for a new apprenticeship program for people working in the fuel industry will be complete by the end of 2005

Today, Haliburton-Victoria-Brock MPP Laurie Scott achieved another success in her first term at Queen’s Park. In May, Laurie Scott introduced a private member’s bill. This bill called for the development of a new apprenticeship program for people working in the fuel industry. Bill 191 was the product of concerns raised by a local constituent regarding the accessibility, availability, and affordability of training required for people wanting to work as fuel technicians.

Bill 191 received wide support as it was prepared for introduction into the Ontario Legislature and for second reading debate. Industry representatives from the natural gas, liquid propane, fuel oil, and heating-ventilation-air conditioning sectors as well as representatives from colleges throughout Ontario endorsed Laurie Scott’s proposal to develop a new apprenticeship program. During second reading debate, Laurie Scott’s bill also received wide support from her colleagues, on both sides of the house. Members referred to it as an “exciting opportunity” for the industry and a Liberal MPP stated that “I am proud to support Bill 191 and my friend from Haliburton-Victoria-Brock. I think our caucus and all caucuses are looking forward to supporting this as it winds its way through the legislative process.”

Wide based support has led to immediate results. Laurie Scott was informed this week that the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities will be moving forward immediately to establish a program for the new trade of Fuel Technician. Ministry staff expect to have the new trade implemented by the end of 2005. Staff from the Workplace Training Branch will be meeting with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority and industry this month.

Upon receiving confirmation from the Minister of Training, Colleges, and Universities regarding the development of the new apprenticeship program, Laurie Scott commented that “this is an exciting opportunity for the industry and a positive example of how careful consultation and open communication between both sides of the house can lead to results.”

The development of an apprenticeship program for people working in the fuel industry has occurred at an opportune time. Young adults are increasingly looking to the skilled trades for employment opportunities and need sufficient and accessible training programs to enter these areas. Ensuring that our education system supports training opportunities responds to this growing trend. As we are looking at a forecasted potential shortfall of one million skilled workers by the year 2020 and increasing demands for qualified people to service our furnaces, air-conditioners, and heating systems this initiative provides a proactive solution.

During second reading debate, a NDP member stated, “Well, I will say kudos to Ms. Scott for bringing it forward… this is a very critical bill.” Laurie Scott has worked hard and diligently again, to achieve yet another success for her riding of Haliburton-Victoria-Brock.

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