Historic Skilled Trades Reforms Made by MVRO and Ontario Government Working Together

Markham, June 22, 2023 – The Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario (MVRO) is calling the latest sitting of the Ontario Legislature the most productive in decades when it comes to advocating for the skilled trades.

Working together with Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli, Education Minister Stephen Lecce, and Labour Minister Monte McNaughton, the MVRO is celebrating recent announcements that will set up the next generation of automotive technicians for success.

“Ministers Fedeli, Lecce and McNaughton have listened to the concerns of new car retailers. They have responded with monumental reforms and strategic investments to change the system and help end the unfair stigma around the skilled trades,” said Frank Notte, MVRO’s Director of Government Relations. “They understand Ontario needs to support current and future auto workers who will be designing, building and repairing the vehicles of tomorrow.”

The announcements include:

• A $330,000 investment for Canadore College’s EV Training Centre to give students hands-on experience repairing electric vehicles.

• Doubling the number of economic immigrants Ontario selects to over 18,000 in 2025 to help solve the skilled trades labour shortage. Ontario now has a greater say over its Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program and better able to set up newcomers for a successful transition to their new life in Ontario.

• Consulting to allow students in grade 11 to transition to a full-time, skilled trades apprenticeship program. Upon receiving their Certificate of Apprenticeship, these young workers can apply for their Ontario Secondary School Diploma as mature students.

• Implementing a new high school graduation requirement. Starting with students entering Grade 9 in September 2024, all students will now be required to earn a Grade 9 or 10 Technological Education credit as part of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

• A $4.7 million investment to help over 360 people land full-time jobs in the province’s growing automotive manufacturing sector. These free programs include preparing automotive technicians and those interested in the industry for work in the emerging electric vehicle field.

“Over the last two and a half years, Ontario has attracted over $25 billion in automotive and electric vehicle battery related investments that will create thousands of new, good-paying jobs across the province,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We continue to strengthen our end-to-end EV supply chain to ensure that the vehicles of the future are built in Ontario, by Ontario workers. Together, with organizations like the Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario, we’re building a strong Ontario with opportunities for people and businesses today and in the future.”

“Ontario’s auto workers are the backbone of our economy,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government will continue to invest in innovative training and common-sense changes to prepare the next generation for these rewarding and well-paying careers.”

“Our government’s mission is to ensure students learn skills that will lead them to ultimately better jobs and bigger pay cheques,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “All students will benefit from a greater emphasis on hands-on learning experiences and technical skills in the classroom so they can graduate with a competitive advantage in this country.”

The Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario (formerly the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association) has been the voice of Ontario’s new car retailers since 1908, offering industry leading advocacy and member support. MVRO members generate and support 85,300 jobs and contribute $14 billion in GDP to Ontario’s economy every year.

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