November 04, 2004

The province today announced new electricians’ licence rates designed to assist in maintaining a reliable, safe and qualified profession.

The licensing program sets and grades examinations, administers the Electricians’ Licence Board, inspects licences and evaluates the skill, experience and eligibility of candidates. Rates have remained unchanged since 1995 when they went up 100 per cent. Since then, the cost of operating the licensing program has risen steadily. The new rates will help recover these increases in costs.

"Electricians have always been reliable and professional in their work," said Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan. "The new rates provide the resources needed to enable the department to continue the assessment and examination required to ensure new candidates continue to have the skills of the trade."

Electricians’ licences expire on Dec. 31, 2004. Renewed licences will remain valid for a period of four years, commencing on Jan. 1, 2005 and expiring on Dec. 31, 2008. For each licensed electrician, the new rates amount to an increase of $10 a year.

Manitoba’s electricians’ rates continue to be competitive with other jurisdictions. Other annual rates are: British Columbia, $107; Alberta, $55; New Brunswick, $40; Manitoba, $30; Saskatchewan, $20; and Ontario, $20.

The province also announced today new rates for insurance company licences for 2005. The rates will be increased by 15 per cent. The rate change will retain Manitoba's ranking in the middle of rates among Canadian jurisdictions.

The insurance company fees have not increased since 1995 and will generate an additional $60,000 in revenue per year.

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