Trades Remain Vital despite Changing Economic Outlook

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Regardless of the current market conditions, skilled labour is vital to propelling the economy forward. Many believe that despite the present challenges, keeping one’s eyes fixed on the future requires investments in training — particularly in the skilled trades. “Looking at the big picture, we expect the trades will remain an excellent career choice, since employers will need highly skilled workers as the economy rebounds and there are still industries where labour challenges persist,” says Paul Oss, public affairs officer with Alberta Innovation and Advanced Education. Read more.

CWF Report – The Importance of Public Investments in Infrastructure

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Click HERE to view a summary of two reports produced for the CCA Civil Infrastructure Council by the Canada West Foundation (CWF) highlighting the importance of public investments in infrastructure. This document summarizes the conclusions of both reports and should be helpful to you in explaining their conclusions to public officials.

Workplace Health & Safety Regulations update from the Department of Labour and Advanced Education

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Over the past several months, the Department of  Labour and Advanced Education has been consulting with the public to consolidate and amend the Workplace Health & Safety Regulations.

Since the consultation launched in September 2014, LAE has received considerable feedback and has decided to completely re-think what regulatory changes are needed at this time.

To read the full update, click here: WHSRs – Update Letter.

Flexibility and Innovation in Apprenticeship Technical Training (FIATT) Call for Proposals

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Employment and Social Development Canada has launched the Flexibility and Innovation in Apprenticeship Technical Training (FIATT) Call for Proposal (CFP).

Applications must be submitted by e-mail no later than March 3, 2015 before 11:59 p.m. EST.  Applications received after this deadline will be disqualified. For the purpose of this CFP, it is expected that project activities will start after May 1, 2015, and have a maximum duration of three years.

Innovative approaches can include, but are not limited to: e-learning; distance education; videoconference; correspondence; blended learning (combination of e-learning with classroom teaching); mobile facilities; and simulation technology.

Click here for details about FIATT and how to apply for funding.

Update from Health Canada’s WHMIS Current Issues Committee – WHMIS after GHS

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Health Canada is changing the Federal WHMIS legislation to bring it in line with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).  An international team of hazard communication experts developed GHS with the goal of having the same set of rules for classifying hazards, and the same format and content for labels and safety data sheets adopted and used around the world.

Currently many different countries have different systems for classification and labeling of chemical products. This situation has been expensive for governments to regulate and enforce, costly for companies who have to comply with many different systems, and confusing for workers who need to understand the hazards of a chemical in order to work safely.

In Canada, the current roles and responsibilities for suppliers, employers and workers likely will not change in WHMIS after GHS.

Employers must continue to:

  • Educate and train workers on the hazards and safe use of products.
  • Ensure that hazardous materials are properly labelled.
  • Prepare workplace labels and SDSs as necessary.
  • Provide access for workers to up-to-date SDSs.
  • Ensure appropriate control measures are in place to protect the health and safety of workers.

Workers will still:

  • Participate in WHMIS and chemical safety training programs.
  • Take necessary steps to protect themselves and their coworkers.
  • Participate in identifying and controlling hazards.

However, employers will need to update their education and training of workers to include the new format of labels and data sheets. Products with new Data Sheets and Hazard Symbols may start appearing on construction sites as early as Spring 2015.

Numerous resources are available for this, including:

HRM Specification Changes for 2015

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Click HERE for a summary of the specification changes for 2015.

New OH&S Regulations Public Consultation Sessions

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NS Depart. of Labour and Advanced Education (LAE) is in the process of changing 13 of the OH&S regulations and these changes establish Workplace Health and Safety Regulations. Join OEA and the employer community as they review the draft changes, new items and discuss the impact to employers and Nova Scotia businesses.

Want to Register?

Please click the following link: HERE and complete the registration fields below the posting.  You will recieve a confirmation e-mail within 24 hours.

If you have any questions, please contact Robert Benoit at robert.benoit@oeans.ca or 902-442-9367.

Administrative Penalties Changes in Effect as of October 1st, 2014

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On December 4, 2013 the Minister introduced changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act as a first step to implementing a new administrative penalties system. These particular changes (Bill no 12) will focus on a simplified single appeal process for Compliance Orders and administrative penalties and provide legislative authority to direct funds collected through administrative penalties towards workplace safety initiatives. The details of the bill may be found at the Legislative counsel website. Learn more.

Helping Apprentices Complete Training Sooner, Easier

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October 24, 2014 9:30 AM

Proposed amendments to the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act introduced today, Oct. 24, will help more apprentices complete their training sooner and easier.

Nova Scotia apprentices who pursue on-the-job-training in another province will no longer have to register in that province. Instead, they can remain registered in Nova Scotia. This lets them start training more quickly, and saves paying extra fees and writing more exams.

The legislation also ensures out-of-province on-the-job and trades training is recognized, meeting a government commitment.

“I think Nova Scotia is taking the right steps,” said Jared Grover, a second-year pipe-trade student at Nova Scotia Community College. “I would absolutely love to stay in Nova Scotia. It’s where my friends and family are. This is always home. Now, if I have to go away, I can come back, start a life, start a family and eventually retire.”Currently, only about half of apprentices registered in Nova Scotia complete their certification.”We know that Nova Scotians want to build a life here,” said Kelly Regan, Minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency. “This legislation helps apprentices get the training they need more quickly and at less cost so they can qualify for the good jobs in Nova Scotia.”Once registered in Nova Scotia, the Apprenticeship Agency will work with the province where the apprentice is, and ensure they are getting the proper training and experience to complete the program. Nova Scotia Community College training will also be recognized elsewhere.

“The role of the new agency is to work with industry to open up more opportunities for Nova Scotia apprentices,” said Marjorie Davison, CEO of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency. “To accomplish this, we need to make it easier for our apprentices to get the training they need to complete their journey.”

Amendments will also allow the agency to make agreements with other provinces to ensure apprentice experience and training is recognized, and the training meets a quality standard.
These amendments complement work already underway to enhance consistency in apprenticeship programs across the country.

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Dept. Labour and Advanced Education Media Contact: Chrissy Matheson
902-424-0281
Cell: 902-219-3121
E-mail: mathescl@gov.ns.ca