Manitoba’s return to 1:1 apprenticeship ratio a blow to economic growth
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The Manitoba government’s decision to restore a 1:1 apprentice-to-journeyperson ratio has reignited debate over workplace safety, training quality, and labour market flexibility. Proponents say the stricter ratio will improve safety and oversight for apprentices.
However, industry representatives and studies suggest it may have the opposite effect, potentially harming the labour market by increasing layoffs and making it harder to meet demand for skilled workers, especially amid a significant labour shortage in trades.
The 1:1 supervision ratio was first established by the Progressive Conservative government in 1999 in response to the death of teenager David Ellis at an unsupervised job site. The measure aimed to improve workplace oversight and prevent similar incidents, setting a new safety standard for young workers by ensuring they received dedicated supervision.
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This policy was relaxed in 2020 under Premier Brian Pallister when a 2:1 ratio that allowed one supervisor to oversee two apprentices was introduced. Many employers saw this change as better aligned with industry needs, helping to meet the growing demand for skilled trades.
Now, the new NDP government, under Premier Wab Kinew, has reverted to the original 1:1 ratio, citing a focus on safety and training standards.
Economic Development Minister Jamie Moses said the government’s updated apprenticeship regulations are part of broader changes aimed at reducing administrative burdens and increasing Manitoba’s competitiveness. Critics, however, argue that strict apprentice-to-journeyperson ratios limit job growth and create economic barriers, particularly in skilled trades that rely on apprenticeships to build the workforce. They say that the regulation may worsen the existing labour strain, reducing opportunities for new apprentices and stalling workforce growth.
A 2014 study from the Frontier Centre for Public Policy highlighted how restrictive apprenticeship ratios reduce hiring flexibility for Canadian employers. The study pointed out that high ratios are especially limiting for Indigenous workers who often face additional barriers to entering skilled trades. It recommended a skills-based approach that could better serve First Nations workers in regions where local labour is needed for resource projects, helping young Indigenous men access well-paid work.
The issue extends beyond Manitoba. Most Canadian and U.S. jurisdictions have relaxed apprentice-to-journeyperson ratios over the last two decades, with some allowing 2:1 or even 3:1 for final-year apprentices. Critics of Manitoba’s decision argue that high ratios aren’t necessary for safety and may even harm job security for apprentices by requiring layoffs when ratios are too restrictive. The 2:1 ratio Manitoba recently abandoned was in line with a broader North American trend toward flexible hiring to meet labour market demands.
Many Manitoba employers worry the 1:1 ratio does not account for the province’s pressing labour needs, especially as many older workers approach retirement. Ron Hambley, president of the Winnipeg Construction Association, told Global News that this change could worsen labour shortages in construction and trades rather than improve safety. Hambley pointed out that, with an aging workforce, companies need flexibility to bring on apprentices who can transition to certified roles. In his view, the restrictive change to a 1:1 ratio may slow the flow of new talent, making it harder for Manitoba’s economy to meet future demands.
A steady influx of apprentices is crucial in skilled trades, and apprentice-to-journeyperson ratios help determine how many new workers enter the field. High ratios limit companies’ hiring capacity, leading to fewer training opportunities and slower skills development. Given the demand for skilled workers, this decision could impact not only Manitoba’s competitiveness but also its economic sustainability.
Supporters of the 1:1 ratio argue that stricter oversight during apprenticeships is essential for maintaining high training and safety standards. A 1:1 ratio ensures apprentices receive individualized guidance, which advocates say leads to better skill development and safer work environments. They believe any associated costs or administrative burdens are necessary investments in a safer and more skilled workforce.
However, with rising demand for trades and construction workers, Manitoba faces a choice: prioritize skilled labour growth or enforce a supervision ratio that could limit hiring flexibility and job creation. Many argue that the province should reconsider its decision and adopt a more balanced solution that aligns safety with economic needs to better serve Manitoba’s evolving economy.
Joseph Quesnel is a senior policy fellow with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.
Explore more on Trades, Manitoba’s Business, Kinew government
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