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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 117

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
September 28, 2023
Skilled Trades Week Act, 2023
  • This bill, called the Skilled Trades Week Act, was passed in 2023 by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. It proclaims that the week beginning on the first Monday in November each year will be recognized as Skilled Trades Week. The bill became effective on the day it received Royal Assent.
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  • RA
  • Yea
  • Nay
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • One steelman argument in favor of Bill 117 2023, the Skilled Trades Week Act, is that it recognizes and celebrates the importance of skilled trades in Ontario. By proclaiming a dedicated week for skilled trades, the government is acknowledging the significant contributions that skilled tradespeople make to the economy and society as a whole. Firstly, skilled trades are essential for the development and maintenance of infrastructure, such as buildings, roads, and utilities. Skilled tradespeople, such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, play a crucial role in ensuring that these structures are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. By dedicating a week to honor their work, the government is highlighting the importance of these trades in creating and maintaining the physical environment in which we live and work. Secondly, skilled trades provide valuable employment opportunities for individuals who may not have pursued higher education or who prefer hands-on work. By promoting skilled trades through a dedicated week, the government can raise awareness about the diverse career paths available in these fields. This can help address the stigma often associated with trades and encourage more individuals to consider pursuing a career in a skilled trade, ultimately leading to a more robust and diverse workforce. Furthermore, the Skilled Trades Week Act can serve as a platform for showcasing the innovation and technological advancements within the skilled trades industry. Many trades have evolved significantly over the years, incorporating new technologies and techniques to improve efficiency and sustainability. By highlighting these advancements during Skilled Trades Week, the government can inspire further innovation and attract young talent to the industry. Lastly, the Act can also foster collaboration and networking opportunities among skilled tradespeople. Skilled Trades Week can serve as a platform for organizing events, workshops, and conferences where tradespeople can come together to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and build professional relationships. This can lead to increased collaboration, improved industry standards, and ultimately, better outcomes for both tradespeople and the communities they serve. In summary, the Skilled Trades Week Act recognizes the importance of skilled trades in Ontario and aims to celebrate, promote, and support the skilled trades industry. By dedicating a week to honor skilled tradespeople, the government can raise awareness, inspire innovation, and foster collaboration within the industry, ultimately benefiting the economy, society, and individuals pursuing careers in skilled trades.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill 117 2023: While recognizing the importance of skilled trades in our economy, there are several concerns with Bill 117 2023 and the proclamation of Skilled Trades Week. This legislation may inadvertently perpetuate a culture of government intervention and dependency, which goes against the principles of limited government and individual freedom that are often championed by right-wing ideologies. Firstly, the proclamation of Skilled Trades Week implies that the government should play a role in promoting and celebrating specific industries. This interventionist approach undermines the free market and distorts the natural allocation of resources. Instead of allowing market forces to determine the demand for skilled trades, this legislation suggests that the government should actively promote and prioritize these professions over others. This not only creates an unfair advantage for skilled trades but also undermines the principles of meritocracy and individual choice. Furthermore, the proclamation of Skilled Trades Week may inadvertently lead to the expansion of government bureaucracy. The government will likely need to allocate resources and funding to organize and promote this week-long event. This means increased government spending, which ultimately burdens taxpayers and diverts resources away from more productive uses. Right-wing ideologies often advocate for smaller government and reduced government intervention, so this legislation contradicts those principles. Additionally, the proclamation of Skilled Trades Week may inadvertently create a sense of entitlement among skilled trade workers. By singling out this profession for special recognition, it sends a message that these individuals deserve preferential treatment or special privileges. This goes against the principles of equal opportunity and fairness that are often emphasized by right-wing ideologies. All professions should be treated equally, and their value should be determined by the free market, not by government proclamations. In conclusion, while recognizing the importance of skilled trades, the proclamation of Skilled Trades Week through Bill 117 2023 raises concerns about government intervention, increased bureaucracy, and the potential for creating a sense of entitlement. These issues go against the principles of limited government and individual freedom often championed by right-wing ideologies.
Second Reading
  • Sept. 28, 2023, noon
  • In Progress
  • Read

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
September 28, 2023
First Reading
  • May 31, 2023, noon
  • Passed