What is Self-Governance?
- Self-governance is a system where an industry takes on the responsibility of regulating its members rather than being regulated solely by the government.
- As an alternative to government regulation, it allows industries to take responsibility for their own actions and avoid external oversight. However, it does not mean there are no rules or regulations governing an industry - it means that the industry itself is responsible for setting and enforcing those rules.
- In terms of safety, it can include setting guidelines for safe practices, establishing post-apprenticeship training and certification programs, and developing mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing compliance.
Industry Issue
- Non-regulated industries can increase public risk due to no formal standards or guidelines being in place.
- Lack of regulation can lead to a lack of standards and best practices, which can put the public at risk.
Benefits of Self-Governance
- Adaptability: The industry would have greater flexibility to update standards and practices as conditions evolve, allowing quicker responses to new technologies, safety requirements, or market demands.
- Professionalism and Accountability: By holding members to stringent codes of conduct, we can foster a higher level of professionalism across the industry. This shift would enhance the reputation of mechanical contractors and build trust with the public, regulators, and clients.
- Proactive Safety Culture: Instead of reacting to safety issues after they arise, a self-governed model encourages the implementation of proactive safety measures, fostering a culture where safety and quality are embedded in every aspect of our work.
Addressing Concerns and Uncertainty
- Implementation Complexity: Developing and enforcing standards, ensuring compliance, and transitioning to a self-governance model requires careful planning. We do not yet have all the answers but are committed to working collaboratively with the government and industry partners.
- Impact on Small Firms: We want to ensure that the transition to self-governance doesn't disproportionately affect smaller firms or create unnecessary regulatory burdens. Part of our exploration process involves understanding how this model could work equitably for all contractors.
- Industry Support: Before moving forward, it is critical that we understand the level of support within the industry. The success of a self-governance model depends on buy-in from all stakeholders, including contractors of all sizes.
Next Steps
We understand that this would be a major shift for our industry. At this stage, we are asking for your feedback on the following question:
Do you support the concept of self-governance for the mechanical contracting industry in Saskatchewan?
Please reach out to MCAS at