Act
Recognizing Ontario's Career Colleges
Regulation Number(s):
n/a
Instrument Type:
Act
Bill or Act:
Private Career Colleges Act, 2005
Summary of Decision:
The following amendments to the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005 (the Act) contained in Schedule 29 of Bill 91, the Less Red Tape, Stronger Economy Act, 2023 received Royal Assent on June 8, 2023 and were proclaimed into force on January 1, 2024:
a. Change the name of the Act to "Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005" and to change all references to "private career college" to "career college";
b. Create a requirement to review the Act every five years; and
c. Authorize the use of enhanced collection tools for outstanding debts related to penalties issued under the Act.
a. Change the name of the Act to "Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005" and to change all references to "private career college" to "career college";
b. Create a requirement to review the Act every five years; and
c. Authorize the use of enhanced collection tools for outstanding debts related to penalties issued under the Act.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
There will be a one-time minimal cost to Ontario career colleges due to the need to update websites and documentation to reflect the change in the Act name (as requested by the stakeholders).
The requirement to review the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005 every five years will add no costs to Ontario businesses.
The use of enhanced collection tools for outstanding debts under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005 would add no costs to responsible, compliant businesses.
The requirement to review the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005 every five years will add no costs to Ontario businesses.
The use of enhanced collection tools for outstanding debts under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005 would add no costs to responsible, compliant businesses.
Further Information:
Private Career Colleges Act, 2005
Proposal Number:
23-MCU001
Posting Date:
April 3, 2023
Summary of Proposal:
1. Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005: Some private career college operators have raised concerns that the word "private" in the legislation has a negative connotation and unfairly stigmatizes them and their students.
Changing the name of the Act could support a change in the public perception of private career colleges and their students when measured against other types of postsecondary institutions and potentially support fairer competition with public institutions.
2. Reviews of the Act: Regular reviews of the Act could benefit private training providers and their students by ensuring that the legislation reflects current trends in the economy and remains responsive to the changing needs of employers.
In addition, formal and ongoing examinations of the Act could promote reduction in red tape as regular reviews would provide an opportunity to ensure the continuing efficacy of the legislation with respect to protecting students and promoting quality in the private training sector, while minimizing restriction and burden on operators as much as possible.
3. Outstanding Administrative Monetary Penalties: Enhanced collection tools under the purview of the Minister of Finance would help to protect responsible and compliant businesses from unfair competition by illegal (unregistered) operators or by institutions otherwise in contravention of the Act. Overall, they would assist the ministry in upholding the integrity of the private career college sector.
Changing the name of the Act could support a change in the public perception of private career colleges and their students when measured against other types of postsecondary institutions and potentially support fairer competition with public institutions.
2. Reviews of the Act: Regular reviews of the Act could benefit private training providers and their students by ensuring that the legislation reflects current trends in the economy and remains responsive to the changing needs of employers.
In addition, formal and ongoing examinations of the Act could promote reduction in red tape as regular reviews would provide an opportunity to ensure the continuing efficacy of the legislation with respect to protecting students and promoting quality in the private training sector, while minimizing restriction and burden on operators as much as possible.
3. Outstanding Administrative Monetary Penalties: Enhanced collection tools under the purview of the Minister of Finance would help to protect responsible and compliant businesses from unfair competition by illegal (unregistered) operators or by institutions otherwise in contravention of the Act. Overall, they would assist the ministry in upholding the integrity of the private career college sector.
Contact Address:
77 Wellesley Street West
Box 977
Toronto ON M7A 1N3
Box 977
Toronto ON M7A 1N3
Royal Assent Date:
June 8, 2023
Decision:
Approved