You may soon see the cost of auto repairs or even haircuts rise. This comes as the province has introduced a controversial new Ontario College of Trades. Local MPP Ernie Hardeman says the local mechanic or electrician has no benefit to joining the college however they will see their licence fee go from around $100 every three years to $120 per year. Hardeman says this may deter people from renewing their licenses. "We're seeing a shortage of the tradespeople and if you see people in it already reluctant to renew their licence or somebody that's only doing it part time reluctant to renew their licence then we won't have it. And so the shortage of tradespeople will become more acute and of course it will then also make the price go up for the consumers when they need tradespeople" Hardeman says the college is also looking to set a new apprentice ratio, meaning there needs to be four journeymen to every one apprentice which will severely inhibit the ability to train when tradespeople are already high in demand. The province says the college is needed and will help to ensure consumers are protected by getting qualified professionals.
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