Companies and labor unions are developing worker training facilities with funding from Ontario’s Skills Development Fund, potentially evading planning regulations, which has raised concerns among municipalities and opposition parties.
The government recently passed a labor bill to exempt these training centers from the Planning Act, emphasizing their importance in enhancing the skilled trades and construction sector.
However, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario expressed reservations, noting that while exemptions were previously granted to entities like schools and hospitals, extending them to private interests funded by the Skills Development Fund lacks transparency and public accountability.
Ontario’s auditor general criticized the selection and allocation process of the $2.5 billion Skills Development Fund, highlighting issues of fairness and transparency. The fund supports organizations, including unions and private employers, in constructing or upgrading training centers for skilled trades.
Despite opposition concerns about the lack of public consultation, the bill passed unanimously. The government defended the exemptions by citing instances like a delayed electricians’ training facility in Windsor due to municipal permitting issues.
Projects funded by the Skills Development Fund undergo rigorous accountability measures, including financial reviews and compliance with building codes and safety regulations, according to the labor minister’s office.
The government stressed the urgency of training skilled workers to support Ontario’s infrastructure development projects, emphasizing the role of unions in providing effective training and promoting diversity in the trades.
Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner asserted that bypassing planning regulations is risky and negligent, as these rules ensure proper site selection and infrastructure alignment.