b'GOVERNMENT RELATIONSThe government is proposing enhancements to the Brownfields2.Improve OHS (Ontario Health and Safety)knowledge financial tax incentive program to encourage the rehabilitation ofandpractices;contaminated land and support new housing development.3.Support workplace parties tofulfill theirOHSroles and The government proposes to establish a housing affordability taskresponsibilitiesand achieve excellence; andforce to provide recommendations to the Minister of Municipal4.Make OHSeasier for smallbusinesses.Affairs and Housing on potential further actions to make housing more affordable for Ontario families.Prevention Works also includes two areas of systems focus,which are hazardsthat pose the greatest risknamelyoccupational ONTARIO REPLACING COLLEGE OF TRADES WITH SKILLEDillnesses and work-related mentalhealth, and workplace violence TRADES ONTARIO and harassment.The Ontario government has passed Bill 288 Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021, which will modernizePROPOSED CHANGES FOR THE NEXT EDITION OF the skilled trades and apprenticeship system. Under the newONTARIOS BUILDING CODE legislation, a new Crown agency called Skilled Trades Ontario willAs part of the development process for the next edition of Ontarios replace the Ontario College of Trades and, at maturity, will allowBuilding Code, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is apprentices, journeypersons and employers to obtain services in oneengaging in consultation on some existing variations from national central place and lead the promotion, research and development ofconstruction codes, as well as a number of proposed changes that apprenticeship programs. are unique to Ontarios Building Code.Consultation will begin in fall 2021, and further consultation is planned in 2022 for changes ONTARIO RELEASES NEW HEALTH & SAFETY STRATEGY:related to the new 2020 national construction codes. A notice will PREVENTION WORKS be posted to the Regulatory Registry for feedback.Ontarios Chief Prevention Office recently releasedPrevention Works,The next edition of Ontarios Building Code is an important step Ontarios health and safety strategy for the next five years,whichin the process to support increased harmonization with national focuses ontracking and using the best evidencepossible to evaluateconstruction codes. Approximately 60 per cent of Ontarios code and improve workplacehealth and safety. The strategy focuses onis currently consistent with the national construction codes. This four objectives: proposal includes changes that would further reduce the number of 1.Build and use the bestevidence to target initiatives,technical variations between Ontarios Building Code and national measureperformance and increase systemoversight; construction codes.JOIN USMEMBERSHIP COSTSThe annual cost is very reasonable, but the cost of not knowing, or not being able to influence on behalf of your industry or employer, could be considerable. We hold a few meetings per year in Toronto, typically half a day in length, plus we have various other product-specific council committees on an as-needed basis. Committees exist on behalf of scaffold, swing stages and power elevated work platforms, etc.HOW DO I JOIN? YOUR SUPPORT SIAC has several membership categories; you would select the one which matches yourOF THE SCAFFOLD business or interest, fill out the membership form on our website or download the formINDUSTRY and mail it in with an attached cheque to the current treasurer.If you have any questions, please emailASSOCIATION info@SIAC-Ontario.com OF CANADA IS siac-ontario.com/join-us APPRECIATED.10THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SCAFFOLD INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF CANADA'