June 15, 2009

Minister backs Whitaker as best choice for College of Trades

When the province was looking for a College of Trades implementation advisor to help create the institution Kevin Whitaker was the standout choice, says an Ontario minister.

“He brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in pulling together this kind of report,” says John Milloy, Ontario’s minister of training, colleges and universities.

Whitaker recently delivered his College of Trades report which helped shape the proposed legislation to create the college. The Merit Open Shop Contractors Association of Ontario (MOCAO) and the Ontario Electrical League called for a delay to the legislation’s introduction because of conflict of interest allegations against Whitaker. MOCAO filed the initial conflict of interest complaint. Milloy said in an interview that he understands that the investigation has been completed and no conflict of interest was found.

Milloy says that Whitaker’s extensive background thanks to his position as Ontario Labour Relations Board chairman made him a great choice. He also pointed to Whitaker’s past work concerning college collective bargaining legislation which received unanimous support at Queen’s Park.

“He was able to take very complex issues, such as college collective bargaining and able to meet with all sides and able pull together a good consensus,” he says.

— VINCE VERSACE

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