Reporter Pat Foran has written 4 books providing consumer info
By
Mark Schadenberg
The
Ontario College Of Trades (OCOT) could be your one-stop destination if you
require mechanical work on your car or a plumbing fix in your house.
The
association’s website lists 27 areas (157 specific skilled trades in total) in
which they collect the names and businesses who are qualified (certified) as
trades people in the province. Areas of expertise also include household
heating and cooling (HVAC), brick layers, cement contractors, electricians,
drywallers, roofers, painters, flooring installers, and obviously carpenters.
Many
car repair firms are also part of this program for specialties such as brakes,
alignment, body work, engine repairs, etc.
There
is an extensive list on their website of www.collegoftrades.ca
If
you’re considering any renovation project, consult the list for certified and
approved companies.
It’s
more than peace of mind, and in my opinion a better idea than checking the Better
Business Bureau online as their list often only tabulates companies with
unresolved complaints. My guess is the cup is half full and a thorough list of
approved contractors in this ‘college’ address listing should be explored
instead. It would be obvious to note that advertisements in newspapers and
Yellow Pages are there to promote the company and do not have an accompanying positive
reviews of that company.
In
a story last week broadcast on all CTV news casts, Pat Foran had a Consumer
Alert story about the OCOT. Foran, who graduated from Fanshawe College in
London in broadcast journalism one year earlier than I (1986 for Pat), has also
written 4 books supplying information to consumers.
The
Foran feature used the example of a home buyer who had purchased a central air
unit that didn’t work properly.
According
to Foran, the OCOT has more than 50 inspectors.
A
contactor you hire should have accreditation.
“It's really about an education process, where the public has
to start understanding who we are and what we're all about, and trades people
have to learn their obligations under the act," said Ron Johnson – OCOT board
of governor’s chair -- in an earlier published story.
“Every province has their eyes on Ontario to see how we
do," said Johnson. "We're changing the way the trades are managed in
Canada."
The OCOT is eventually having more wide-ranging powers than
the BBB. An enforcement team – stated one story on CTV – has been trained to
employ up to 150 officers eventually investigating complaints and cracking down
on those working without necessary certifications.
Trades people have to register with the OCOT and pay annual membership
fees.
There are many sources to ‘check’ on your contractor. Many people
believe ‘word-of-mouth’ advertising is still the way to go. You could also say
that a quick Facebook questionnaire could supply a long list of possible
companies to work at your home or repair your car.
LINKS:
www.collegeoftrades.ca
www.collegeoftrades.ca
2014
Story:
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