What are the implications of the return of such a ratio?
The Manitoba government has announced the restoration of the apprenticeship ratio to 1:1.
This move, announced by Economic Development, Investment, Trade, and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses, aims to elevate safety protocols and enhance skill development among Manitobans in various trades.
“We are proud to restore the 1:1 apprenticeship ratio. High-quality training, with the highest possible safety standards, is good for industry, good for our province and it means more Manitobans coming home safely at the end of a shift,” said Moses in a release.
Ensuring apprentice safety
This decision marks a significant reversal from the previous government’s actions, which had revoked the longstanding 1:1 ratio requirement, originating as a response to the tragic 1999 death of Michael Skanderberg, who perished while working unsupervised.
Cindy Skanderberg, Michael’s mother, expressed gratitude for the change.
“Premier Kinew promised our family he would restore the 1:1 ratio, and we're delighted that he has kept this promise. Our family vowed there would never be another story like Michael’s and when the 1:1 ratio was removed we fought to keep working people safe.”
‘Fiscally responsible’ move for trades
Industry voices also echoed support for the reinstatement. Dave McPhail, business manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 2085, emphasized the life-saving importance of proper supervision, particularly in high-risk trades like electrical work.
“It is a breath of fresh air to have a government that has the courage to listen to workers. Moving back to 1:1 will help keep all electricians safe and we are grateful,” he said.
Tanya Palson, executive director of Manitoba Building Trades, emphasized the pivotal role of apprenticeship programs in shaping careers.
“We've seen jurisdictions like Ontario under the [Premier Doug] Ford government move to a 1:1 ratio recently and that's because it's the fiscally responsible thing to do,” she noted. “It’s the right thing to do, and the industry will be better served long-term for having done it.”
The apprenticeship ratio, governed by the Apprenticeship and Certification – General Regulation, encompasses all apprenticeship trades in Manitoba, with specific regulations tailored to each of the 55 trades.
Minister Moses affirmed that regulatory changes and implementation would be pursued in consultation with the Apprenticeship and Certification Board, with due consideration for unique circumstances in northern and rural Manitoba.
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