New British Columbia Cabinet Sworn in.

On Wednesday, December 7th, 2022, British Columbia Premier, David Eby, announced his new cabinet of 23 ministers and four ministers of state at a swearing in ceremony in Victoria.

While some of the major portfolios were retained by the existing ministers, there were a few surprises and new portfolios.

Two new ministries were created signaling Eby’s commitment to his previously announced priorities: Housing, led by Ravi Kahlon, and Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, led by Bowinn Ma.

Former Finance Minister, Selina Robinson, has been moved to an updated Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills and Andrew Mercier, formerly the Parliamentary Secretary for Skills Training, is now the Minister of State for Workforce Development, a new portfolio that aligns with a major focus for HRAI. 

Anne Kang, formerly Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training, takes over Municipal Affairs.

Former Minister of Municipal Affairs, Josie Osborne, will serve as Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon innovation, while George Heyman will stay on as environment minister and Harry Bains keeps his portfolio as Labour Minister.

HRAI staff will be reviewing each Minister’s new mandate letters and reaching out to Cabinet Members in the coming days and weeks ahead.

Skilled Trades Certification comes into effect in British Columbia

The BC Skilled Trades Certification went into effect December 1. Seven trades in the electrical and mechanical sectors are part of the initial roll out of the program with Three additional automotive trades (heavy-duty equipment technician, automotive service technician and autobody and collision technician) to be introduced in 2024.

The initial seven trades are:

o   Electrical: construction electrician, industrial electrician, powerline technician  

o   Mechanical: refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic, gasfitter A & B, steamfitter/pipefitter and sheet metal worker 

Uncertified trade workers in these trades will be required to register as an apprentice or pass a certification exam before December 1, 2023. 

Additionally, Industry Training Authority has rebranded to become SkilledTradesBC and is responsible for the implementation of the program. 

HRAI has long advocated for appropriate training across the country and participated in consultations leading up to the reintroduction of the certification program. HRAI has also been a leading voice for a residential HVAC trade in BC. While the residential trade is not part of the initial trades, our staff are continuing our advocacy for a path forward.

Visit SkilledTradesBC to learn about the skilled trades certification process and the supports available to tradespeople: https://skilledtradesbc.ca/skilledtradescertification

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