Federal Issues

a) Red Seal

An important part of being a journeyperson is what is described as “mobility”, or the ability to use your skills anywhere in Canada.  There are many trades which allow a journeyperson to write an exam for a red seal to be added to their Certificate of Qualification.  This then allows the tradesperson to work anywhere in Canada without having to requalify in another province.  The ACA of Ontario contradicts this approach, and is another major reason why the government should repeal this legislation.

b) Credentials for Foreign Workers

Employers are seeking to recruit skilled trades’ workers on a temporary basis, internationally, for manufacturing jobs in Ontario claiming that there are severe growing skill shortages.

The labour movement is greatly concerned about the work situation of international workers in Canada and the prospect that employer strategies and non-existent labour market planning has lead to unnecessary divisions among workers in some Canadian workplaces.

These divide and rule tactics where international workers are being pitted against Canadian workers undermines trade union values and workers’ rights such as decent wages, health and safety, human rights and employment standards’ rights.

All workers have a right to be represented and protected by a union. Where skill shortages exist and are verified, immigration could be used where temporary work permits could be issued as long as they were confined to projects with specific time limits.

Where immigration is used for permanent workers and to overcome barriers in attaining recognition of their international qualifications and employment in Canada, flexible and innovative programs need to be developed to support the integration of internationally trained tradespersons.

The PDF Version of this Policy Paper contains Appendix:  Trades Chart defining voluntary and compulsory trades. Dowload PDF now.

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