Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act

SKILLED TRADES AND APPRENTICESHIP EDUCATION ACT Chapter S‑7.88 Table of Contents 1 Definitions Part 1 Apprenticeship Education and Industry Training Programs 2 Definitions for Part 1 3 Apprenticeship education programs, credentials 4 Industry training programs, credentials 5 Registrar 6 Powers and functions of the Registrar 7 Registrar may refuse, suspend or cancel registration 8 Reconsiderations 9 General responsibilities of the Minister 10 Regulations for Part 1 Part 2 Designated Trades 11 Definitions for Part 2 12 Regulations designating trades 13 Alberta Board of Skilled Trades 14 Powers and functions of the Board 15 Board committees 16 Assistance to the Board and committees 17 Administrator 18 Functions of the Administrator 19 Administrator may suspend or revoke certification 20 Reconsiderations 21 General responsibilities of the Minister 22 Regulations for Part 2 Part 3 Prohibitions, Offences, Penalties, Compliance and Enforcement 23 Prohibitions 24 Prohibition — false information 25 Prohibition — disciplinary action 26 Prohibition — cheating 27 Prohibition — impeding officer 28 Offences and penalties 29 Officers 30 Inspections 31 Court order authorizing entry and inspection 32 Compliance order 33 Court order for compliance 34 Evidence 34.1 Proceedings against unincorporated trade union, etc. 35 Protection from liability 36 Regulations for Part 3 Part 4 General 37 Sending and service of documents 38 Definitions for sections 39 to 41 39 Transitional provisions respecting Part 1 40 Transitional provisions respecting Parts 2 and 3 41 Transitional regulations 42‑47 Consequential amendments 48 Repeal 49 Coming into force Preamble WHEREAS the Government of Alberta recognizes that a skilled workforce is necessary for economic competitiveness and prosperity; WHEREAS the Government of Alberta believes that expanding apprenticeship education programs to provide education and training for careers beyond designated trades professions is desirable to respond to labour market demands; WHEREAS the Government of Alberta recognizes the importance of having clearly defined roles in the establishment and delivery of apprenticeship education programs, the issuance of credentials and the governance of skilled trades professions; WHEREAS individuals who successfully complete an apprenticeship education program should receive a formal academic credential that confirms their knowledge and skills and opens pathways to further education and training; WHEREAS the Government of Alberta is committed to ensuring that apprenticeship education is understood by Albertans to have as much value as other post‑secondary education and that skilled trades professions are understood by Albertans to have as much value as other professions; THEREFORE HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, enacts as follows: Definitions 1 In this Act, (a) “activity”, in respect of a designated trade, means a task or function that is recognized by an order of the Board as being associated with undertakings within the designated trade; (b) “Administrator” means the Administrator for Designated Trades appointed under section 17(1) and includes any individual designated as a deputy Administrator under section 17(2); (c) “apprentice” means an individual who is registered in an apprenticeship education program; (d) “apprenticeship education agreement” means an agreement between a sponsor and an individual respecting on‑the‑job instruction that the sponsor will provide to the individual under an apprenticeship education program in which the individual is registered; (e) “apprenticeship education program” means a program established under section 3(1)(a); (f) “Board” means the Alberta Board of Skilled Trades established under section 13; (g) “classroom instruction” means instruction provided by a post-secondary institution as part of an apprenticeship education program; (h) “Department” means the department administered by the Minister; (i) “designated trade” means a trade designated in the regulations under section 12; (i.1) “employers’ organization” means an incorporated or unincorporated organization of employers formed for purposes that include the regulation of relations between employers and employees; (j) “industry training program” means a program established under section 4(1)(a); (k) “Minister” means the Minister determined under section 16 of the Government Organization Act as the Minister responsible for this Act; (k.1) “occupational association” means an incorporated or unincorporated organization, other than a trade union or employers’ organization, that (i) has members engaged in the practice of an occupation or designated trade, or (ii) has the object of advancing or promoting the practice of an occupation or designated trade; (l) “officer” means an individual appointed as an officer under section 29; (m) “on-the-job instruction” means instruction provided to an apprentice through mentorship and work experience under an apprenticeship education agreement; (m.1) “person” includes an employers’ organization, occupational association or trade union; (n) “personal information” has the meaning given to it in the Protection of Privacy Act ; (o) “post‑secondary institution” means a public post‑secondary institution as defined in the Post‑secondary Learning Act or the holder of a licence issued under the Private Vocational Training Act ; (p) “Registrar” means the individual appointed as the Registrar under section 5(1) and includes any individual designated as a deputy Registrar under section 5(2); (q) “restricted activity” means an activity prescribed under section 22(2)(d); (r) “trade certificate”, in respect of a designated trade, means (i) a certificate issued by the Administrator to an individual who the Administrator is satisfied has met the requirements under this Act for certification in the designated trade, or (ii) a document that is issued outside Alberta and is recognized by order of the Board as being the equivalent of a certificate referred to in subclause (i); (r.1) “trade union” means an incorporated or unincorporated organization of employees, or any local of the organization, formed for purposes that include the regulation of relations between employees and employers; (s) “trainee” means an individual who is registered in an industry training program. 2021 cS-7.88 s1;2025 c15 s7;AR 141/2025 Part 1 Apprenticeship Education and Industry Training Programs Definitions for Part 1 2 In this Part, (a) “credential”, (i) in respect of an apprenticeship education program, means a certificate, diploma or other form of proof, established under section 3(1)(c) and issued in accordance with the regulations, of successful completion of the apprenticeship education program, and (ii) in respect of an industry training program, means a form of proof, established under section 4(1)(c) and issued in accordance with the regulations, of successful completion of an industry training program; (b) “industry training provider” means a person or entity that provides an industry training program; (c) “registered” means registered with the Registrar; (d) “sponsor” means a person or entity who, pursuant to an apprenticeship education agreement, provides an apprentice with on‑the‑job instruction required as part of an apprenticeship education program. Apprenticeship education programs, credentials 3 (1) The Minister may (a) establish programs to provide individuals with classroom instruction and on‑the‑job instruction in particular occupational fields, (b) engage post‑secondary institutions to provide the classroom instruction components of apprenticeship education programs, and (c) establish credentials that may be issued to individuals who successfully complete an apprenticeship education program. (2) The Minister may disestablish an apprenticeship education program at any time. Industry training programs, credentials 4 (1) The Minister may (a) establish programs to provide individuals with training in particular occupational fields, (b) engage or approve persons or entities to provide training to trainees in industry training programs, and (c) establish credentials that may be issued to individuals who successfully complete an industry training program. (2) The Minister may disestablish an industry training program at any time. Registrar 5 (1) The Minister may, in accordance with the Public Service Act , appoint an employee of the Department as the Registrar. (2) Subject to the regulations, the Registrar may designate one or more other individuals as deputy Registrars to exercise the powers and carry out the functions of the Registrar in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in their designations. 2021 cS‑7.88 s5;2023 c9 s30 Powers and functions of the Registrar 6 (1) The Registrar shall, for the purposes of this Part, (a) advise the Minister respecting apprenticeship education programs, industry training programs, the establishment of apprenticeship education programs or industry training programs or any other matter requested by the Minister, (b) establish (i) the classroom instruction and on‑the‑job instruction requirements for apprenticeship education programs, and (ii) the training requirements for industry training programs, (c) establish criteria that must be met by an individual in order to be accepted for registration in an apprenticeship education program or an industry training program, (d) establish the form and manner in which and the time or times at which applications for registration in an apprenticeship education program or an industry training program may be made, (e) consider applications for registration in an apprenticeship education program or an industry training program and, in respect of each application, (i) accept the application and, subject to any terms and conditions the Registrar considers appropriate, register the applicant in the apprenticeship education program or industry training program if the Registrar is satisfied that all applicable requirements for registration in the program are met, or (ii) reject the application if the Registrar is not satisfied that all applicable requirements for registration in the program are met, (f) administer the delivery of (i) the classroom instruction and on‑the‑job instruction components of apprenticeship education programs, and (ii) the training requirements for industry training programs, (g) set criteria for examinations and other assessments of learning or competencies to be conducted (i) by post‑secondary institutions providing classroom instruction and by sponsors providing on‑the‑job instruction to apprentices in apprenticeship education programs, and (ii) by industry training providers providing training to trainees in industry training programs, (h) provide ongoing support, in accordance with any directions of the Minister, to sponsors in respect of the on‑the‑job instruction the sponsors provide to apprentices, the sponsors’ assessment of apprentices’ progress, learning and competencies and any other matter that may arise in respect of apprentices during the course of an apprenticeship education program, (i) provide ongoing support, in accordance with any directions of the Minister, to post‑secondary institutions in respect of the classroom instruction the post‑secondary institutions provide to apprentices, the assessment of apprentices’ progress, learning and competencies and any other matter that may arise in respect of apprentices during the course of an apprenticeship education program, (j) provide support, in accordance with any directions of the Minister, to industry training providers in respect of the training they provide to trainees, their assessment of trainees’ progress, learning and competencies and any other matter that may arise in respect of trainees during the course of an industry training program, (k) establish the requirements that an individual must meet to successfully complete an apprenticeship education program or an industry training program, (l) issue credentials to apprentices who successfully complete an apprenticeship education program and trainees who successfully complete an industry training program, (m) maintain a register of apprentices in each apprenticeship education program and track the progress of each apprentice, (n) maintain a register of trainees in each industry training program and track the progress of each trainee, (o) establish processes requiring post‑secondary institutions and sponsors to report apprentices’ progress to the Registrar for the purposes of enabling the Registrar to track the apprentices’ progress, (p) establish processes requiring industry training providers to report trainees’ progress to the Registrar for the purposes of enabling the Registrar to track the trainees’ progress, (q) maintain a register of the issuance of credentials, the names of individuals to whom they were issued, the dates on which they were issued and any suspensions or cancellations of credentials, (r) establish processes for the resolution of disputes between sponsors and apprentices and between industry training providers and trainees, and (s) carry out any other functions assigned to the Registrar by the regulations. (2) The Registrar may (a) recognize education or instruction as being the equivalent of classroom instruction or on‑the‑job instruction that is required as part of an apprenticeship education program and award credit to apprentices who receive the recognized education or training before entering or while registered in the apprenticeship education program, (b) recognize training that is not part of an industry training program as being the equivalent of training that is required as part of the industry training program and award credit to trainees who receive the recognized training before entering or while registered in the industry training program, (c) engage persons to conduct the dispute resolution processes under subsection (1)(r), (d) engage persons knowledgeable about an occupational field to provide specialized or technical advice to the Registrar, and (e) exercise any other powers conferred on the Registrar by the regulations. (3) Subject to the regulations, the Registrar may delegate any power or function of the Registrar to one or more employees of the Department. 2021 cS‑7.88 s6;2023 c9 s30 Registrar may refuse, suspend or cancel registration 7 The Registrar may, in accordance with the regulations, (a) refuse to register an individual in an apprenticeship education program or an industry training program, (b) suspend, on any terms and conditions the Registrar considers appropriate in the circumstances, or cancel (i) an individual’s registration in an apprenticeship education program, (ii) any approval of an apprenticeship education agreement that was given by the Registrar under the regulations, or (iii) the registration of an individual in an industry training program, or (c) suspend or revoke a credential issued to an individual. Reconsiderations 8 Where the Registrar has made a decision (a) respecting an application for registration in an apprenticeship education program or an industry training program, (b) suspending or cancelling an individual’s registration in an apprenticeship education program or an industry training program, (c) suspending or cancelling the Registrar’s approval of an apprenticeship education agreement, (d) refusing to issue credentials to an individual, or (e) respecting any other matter for which a reconsideration may be requested under the regulations, a person may, in accordance with the regulations, request that the Registrar reconsider the decision. General responsibilities of the Minister 9 (1) The Minister is responsible for the administration of this Part and for general administrative matters with respect to apprenticeship education programs, industry training programs and the issuance of credentials. (2) Subject to the regulations, the Minister may delegate any power, duty or function of the Minister under this Part to the Registrar or an employee of the Department. (3) The Regulations Act does not apply in respect of any documentation prepared by or on behalf of the Minister relating to the carrying out of any functions under this section. Regulations for Part 1 10 (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations (a) respecting matters to be considered by the Minister before establishing an apprenticeship education program or an industry training program; (b) respecting the delegation by the Minister of any power or function of the Minister under this Part; (c) respecting any other matter that the Lieutenant Governor in Council considers necessary or advisable for carrying out the purposes and intent of this Part. (2) The Minister may make regulations (a) defining, for the purposes of this Act and the regulations, terms used but not defined in this Part; (b) further defining, for the purposes of this Act and the regulations, a term that is defined in this Part; (c) respecting the establishment by the Registrar of the classroom instruction and on‑the‑job instruction requirements of apprenticeship education programs and the training requirements of industry training programs; (c.1) respecting setting the ratio of apprentices to mentors for on-the-job instruction during different periods of an apprenticeship education program; (d) respecting apprenticeship education agreements, including, without limitation, regulations respecting (i) circumstances in which an apprenticeship education agreement may or may not be entered into, provisions required to be included in an apprenticeship education agreement and requirements to be met for an apprenticeship education agreement to remain valid; (ii) requirements for apprenticeship education agreements to be approved by the Registrar; (iii) circumstances in which the Registrar may refuse to approve or may suspend or cancel the approval of an apprenticeship education agreement; (e) respecting eligibility criteria for sponsors; (f) imposing obligations on sponsors, apprentices and trainees; (g) respecting credentials, including, without limitation, regulations respecting (i) the criteria for the issuance of credentials to apprentices who successfully complete an apprenticeship education program or trainees who successfully complete an industry training program; (ii) the suspension or revocation of credentials by the Registrar; (iii) steps that may be taken by the Registrar to alert the public or any person to the suspension or revocation of an individual’s credentials; (h) respecting the powers and functions of the Registrar, including, without limitation, regulations (i) setting limits or imposing requirements respecting the exercise by the Registrar of any power under this Part or the carrying out by the Registrar of any function under this Part; (ii) conferring additional powers on the Registrar; (iii) assigning additional functions to the Registrar; (h.1) subject to the Employment Standards Code , setting out the rates of wages for apprentices; (i) respecting reconsiderations or reviews of decisions made under this Part, other than decisions made by the Minister, including, without limitation, regulations prescribing or otherwise describing the decisions in respect of which a reconsideration or review is available and the persons who may request a reconsideration or review; (j) respecting the delegation by the Registrar of any power or function of the Registrar; (j.1) respecting the powers and functions of deputy Registrars; (k) authorizing and respecting the collection, including indirect collection, of personal information and the use and disclosure of personal information by the Registrar. 2021 cS-7.88 s10;2021 c17 s2;2023 c9 s30 Part 2 Designated Trades Definitions for Part 2 11 In this Part, (a) “endorsement” has the meaning given to it in the regulations; (b) “undertaking”, in respect of a designated trade, means a type of work the Board considers to fall within the designated trade. Regulations designating trades 12 (1) The Minister may make regulations (a) subject to subsection (2), designating trades in respect of which a trade certificate may be issued; (b) notwithstanding anything in this Part, respecting any transitional matter that may result from the designation of a trade being rescinded as a result of the repeal or amendment of a regulation under clause (a). (2) A profession that is regulated or eligible to be regulated under the Health Professions Act is not eligible to be designated as a designated trade. 2021 cS-7.88 s12;2021 c17 s2 Alberta Board of Skilled Trades 13 (1) The Minister shall appoint a board to be known as the “Alberta Board of Skilled Trades” consisting of not more than 15 individuals who, in the opinion of the Minister, are knowledgeable with respect to the contribution of skilled trades professions to Alberta’s economic sectors and the needs of the Alberta labour market for skilled and trained individuals. (2) The Minister shall designate one member as chair and one or more other members to act in the place of the chair when the chair is absent or is otherwise unable to carry out the duties of the chair. (3) Members of the Board, other than employees of the Government of Alberta, may be paid (a) remuneration for the carrying out of their duties as members, and (b) travelling and living expenses necessarily incurred in the carrying out of their duties as members at a rate prescribed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council in accordance with any applicable regulations under the Alberta Public Agencies Governance Act . (4) If regulations under the Alberta Public Agencies Governance Act apply in respect of the rate of remuneration and expenses to be paid to members of the Board, those regulations prevail, to the extent of any conflict or inconsistency, over any regulations prescribing a rate under subsection (3). (5) The Board is not an agent of the Crown. Powers and functions of the Board 14 (1) The functions of the Board are (a) to consult with industry and make recommendations to the Minister respecting the designation of trades and the rescission of the designation of trades, (b) to consult with industry respecting (i) standards and requirements for certification in designated trades, (ii) any other matters requested by the Minister, and (iii) any other matters in respect of which the Board considers it should engage with industry, (c) to advise and make recommendations to the Minister respecting (i) restricted activities and the classes of individuals who may perform them, and (ii) any other matter on which the Minister requests the input of the Board, (d) to promote the value of designated trades careers and certification, and (e) any other functions assigned by the regulations. (2) The Board may make orders (a) specifying the undertakings and activities that fall within a designated trade; (b) establishing standards and requirements for certification in respect of designated trades; (c) recognizing documents issued outside Alberta as being the equivalent of a trade certificate, if the Board considers it appropriate to do so; (d) recognizing the successful completion of education or training, other than an apprenticeship education program or an industry training program, as meeting some or all of the requirements for certification under this Part; (e) respecting other matters in accordance with any additional order-making power conferred on the Board by the regulations. (3) The Regulations Act does not apply (a) in respect of any documentation prepared by or on behalf of the Board relating to the carrying out of any functions under subsection (1), or (b) to orders made under subsection (2). Board committees 15 (1) The Board may establish committees, or may recognize committees established by other organizations, associations or persons, to assist and advise the Board in exercising its powers and carrying out its functions. (2) The Board may, with respect to a committee established under this section, (a) appoint individuals as members of the committee, (b) set the terms of reference under which the committee operates, and (c) assign functions to be carried out by the committee. (3) An individual appointed as a member of a committee established under this section (a) holds office for a term specified in the appointment in accordance with the regulations, and (b) subject to the regulations, is eligible to be appointed for one or more further terms of office. (4) Members of a committee established under this section, other than employees of the Government of Alberta, may be paid one or both of the following at the rates prescribed by the Minister under section 22(2)(h): (a) remuneration for the carrying out of their duties as members; (b) travelling and living expenses necessarily incurred in the carrying out of their duties as members. Assistance to the Board and committees 16 The Minister may provide to the Board or any committee of the Board, at no cost to the Board or committee, one or more of the following: (a) the services of employees of the Department to carry out duties and provide services that in the opinion of the Minister are reasonably required to enable the Board or committee to carry out its functions under this Part; (b) the services of experts or persons having special, technical or other knowledge to advise the Board or committee in respect of matters under this Part; (c) materials and other things that, in the opinion of the Minister, are reasonably required to enable the Board or committee to carry out its functions under this Part. Administrator 17 (1) The Minister may, in accordance with the Public Service Act , appoint an employee of the Department as the Administrator for Designated Trades. (2) Subject to the regulations, the Administrator may designate one or more individuals as deputy Administrators to exercise the powers and carry out the functions of the Administrator in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in their designations. 2021 cS‑7.88 s17;2023 c9 s30 Functions of the Administrator 18 (1) The Administrator shall, for the purposes of this Part, (a) advise the Minister respecting designated trades, the designation of trades or any other matter requested by the Minister, (b) establish the form and manner in which and the time or times at which applications for issuance of a trade certificate or endorsement may be made, (c) consider applications for trade certificates or endorsements and, in respect of each application, (i) issue the trade certificate or endorsement if the Administrator is satisfied that all applicable requirements for the trade certificate or endorsement are met, or (ii) reject the application and refuse to issue the trade certificate or endorsement if the Administrator is not satisfied that all applicable requirements for the trade certificate or endorsement are met, (d) provide for the evaluation of knowledge and levels of skills of individuals applying to the Administrator for a trade certificate or endorsement, (e) maintain a register of the issuance of trade certificates or endorsements, the names of individuals to whom they were issued, the dates on which they were issued and any suspensions or cancellations of trade certificates or endorsements, (f) if directed to do so by the Minister, assist and advise the Board in carrying out its functions, and (g) carry out any other functions assigned to the Administrator by the regulations. (2) Subject to the regulations, the Administrator may delegate any power or function of the Administrator to one or more employees of the Department. Administrator may suspend or revoke certification 19 The Administrator may, in accordance with the regulations, suspend, on any terms and conditions the Administrator considers appropriate in the circumstances, or revoke (a) a trade certificate issued under this Part, or (b) in respect of an individual, notwithstanding any order of the Board under section 14(2)(c), the recognition of a document issued outside of Alberta to an individual as being the equivalent of a trade certificate. 2021 cS‑7.88 s19;2023 c9 s30 Reconsiderations 20 Where the Administrator has made a decision (a) respecting an individual’s application for a trade certificate or endorsement, (b) refusing to issue a trade certificate or endorsement to an individual, or (c) respecting any other matter for which a reconsideration may be requested under the regulations, a person may, in accordance with the regulations, request that the Administrator reconsider the decision. General responsibilities of the Minister 21 (1) The Minister is responsible for the administration of this Part and for general administrative matters with respect to designated trades and the issuance of trade certificates and endorsements. (2) Subject to the regulations, the Minister may delegate any power, duty or function of the Minister under this Part to the Administrator or an employee of the Department. (3) The Regulations Act does not apply in respect of any documentation prepared by or on behalf of the Minister relating to the carrying out of any functions under this section. Regulations for Part 2 22 (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations (a) respecting matters to be considered by the Minister before designating a trade as a designated trade; (b) respecting the delegation by the Minister of any power or function of the Minister under this Part; (c) respecting any other matter that the Lieutenant Governor in Council considers necessary or advisable for carrying out the purposes and intent of this Part. (2) The Minister may make regulations (a) defining, for the purposes of this Act and the regulations, terms used but not defined in this Part; (b) defining “endorsement” for the purposes of this Act and the regulations, providing for the issuance, suspension and revocation of endorsements and providing for the recognition of endorsements other than endorsements issued under the regulations; (c) further defining, for the purposes of this Act and the regulations, a term that is defined in this Part; (d) prescribing activities within a designated trade as restricted activities and providing that restricted activities may be performed only by prescribed classes of individuals; (e) prescribing classes of individuals for the purposes of clause (d); (f) respecting appointments to the Board, including, without limitation, regulations respecting the term of office for which an appointment may be made, whether individuals appointed to the Board are eligible to be appointed for one or more further terms of office and any maximum number of terms for which an individual may be appointed; (g) respecting the powers and functions of the Board, including, without limitation, regulations (i) setting limits or imposing requirements respecting the exercise by the Board of any power under this Part or the carrying out by the Board of any function under this Part; (ii) conferring additional order‑making powers on the Board; (iii) assigning additional functions to the Board; (h) prescribing the rates of remuneration for committees of the Board; (i) respecting the powers and functions of the Administrator, including, without limitation, regulations (i) setting limits or imposing requirements respecting the carrying out by the Administrator of any function under this Part; (ii) conferring additional powers on the Administrator; (iii) assigning additional functions to the Administrator; (j) respecting reconsiderations or reviews of decisions, other than decisions of the Minister, made under this Part, including, without limitation, regulations prescribing or otherwise describing the decisions in respect of which a reconsideration or review is available and the persons who may request a reconsideration or review; (k) respecting the delegation by the Administrator of any power or function of the Administrator; (k.1) respecting the powers and functions of deputy Administrators; (l) respecting suspensions and revocations under section 19 and steps that may be taken by the Administrator to alert the public or any person to a suspension or revocation; (m) authorizing and respecting the collection, including indirect collection, of personal information and the use and disclosure of personal information by the Administrator. 2021 cS‑7.88 s22;2023 c9 s30 Part 3 Prohibitions, Offences, Penalties, Compliance and Enforcement Prohibitions 23 (1) No person shall use the term “certified”, “journeyperson” or “trade certificate”, or any form or derivative of one of those terms, in any combination with the name of a designated trade in such a way as to represent, expressly or by implication, that the person holds a trade certificate in that designated trade, unless the person holds a valid trade certificate in that designated trade. (2) No person shall, expressly or by implication, represent that the person holds a trade certificate in a designated trade unless the person holds a valid trade certificate in that designated trade. (3) No person shall, expressly or by implication, represent that the person is permitted under this Act to perform a restricted activity in a designated trade unless the person is authorized under this Act to perform the restricted activity in that designated trade. (4) No person shall perform a restricted activity unless the person falls within a prescribed class of persons authorized to perform the restricted activity. (5) No person shall direct or allow an employee of the person to perform a restricted activity unless the employee falls within a prescribed class of persons authorized to perform the restricted activity. 2021 cS‑7.88 s23;2022 c14 s16 Prohibition — false information 24 A person who provides information under this Act shall not provide information that is false. Prohibition — disciplinary action 25 No person shall dismiss or take any other disciplinary action against another person by reason of that other person’s acting in accordance with this Act, the regulations or an order made under this Act. Prohibition — cheating 26 (1) No individual who is taking or intends to take an examination or undergo any other learning assessment under this Act shall acquire or accept, before or during the examination or assessment, any of the contents of the examination or assessment. (2) Where an individual is taking or intends to take an examination or undergo any other learning assessment under this Act, no person shall convey or disclose to the individual, directly or indirectly, before or during the examination or assessment, any of the contents of the examination or assessment. Prohibition — impeding officer 27 No person shall impede an officer in the carrying out of any duty that the officer is empowered to carry out under this Act. Offences and penalties 28 (1) A person who contravenes section 23(1), (2), (3), (4) or (5) or section 24, 25 or 27 or a prescribed provision of the regulations is guilty of an offence and liable (a) for a first offence, to a fine of not more than $15 000, or (b) for a 2nd or subsequent offence, to a fine of not more than $50 000. (2) A person who contravenes section 26(1) or (2) is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of not more than $50 000. (3) An offence under any of the following provisions is an offence of absolute liability: section 23(1), (2), (3) or (4); section 26(1) or (2). (4) An offence under any of the following provisions is an offence of strict liability: section 23(5), 24 or 25; section 27. (5) A prosecution for an offence under this Act may not be commenced more than 3 years after the alleged commission of the offence. (6) Notwithstanding the Provincial Offences Procedure Act , a person who is convicted of an offence under this Act, other than an offence for contravening section 23(5), 24, 25 or 27, is not subject to a term of imprisonment in respect of that offence or in default of payment of a fine. Officers 29 The Minister may appoint individuals as officers for the purposes of compliance and enforcement under this Act. 2021 cS‑7.88 s29;2022 c14 s16 Inspections 30 (1) For the purposes of ensuring that this Act and the regulations are being complied with, an officer may, without an order under section 31 or a search warrant, at any reasonable time enter any premises or location at which (a) an individual is receiving classroom instruction or on‑the‑job instruction as part of an apprenticeship education program, (b) an individual is receiving training as part of an industry training program, (c) an individual is performing an activity in a designated trade, or (d) an individual is preparing for or participating in an examination or assessment and carry out an inspection. (2) In carrying out an inspection, an officer may do one or more of the following: (a) inspect (i) the premises or location, and (ii) any physical or electronic document, record or thing that is relevant to the inspection; (b) demand the production for inspection of any document, record or thing referred to in clause (a)(ii) and remove the document, record, object or thing for review and copying; (c) in order to produce a record in readable form, use any data storage, information processing or retrieval devices or systems that are on the premises and normally used in carrying on business on the premises; (d) take photographs, video recordings or other visual or audio recordings of anything relevant to the inspection; (e) make inquiries of any person with respect to any matter relevant to the inspection; (f) require any person to provide the officer with all reasonable assistance, including in the use of any computer hardware or software or any other data storage, processing or retrieval device or system to produce information or records; (g) exercise any other powers given to the officer by the regulations. (3) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2), an officer shall not enter a residence without the permission of an adult resident of that residence. (4) Where an officer removes any document, record or thing under subsection (2)(b), the officer shall (a) give a receipt for the items to the person from whom the items were taken, and (b) forthwith return the items to the person from whom they were taken when they have served the purposes for which they were taken. 2021 cS‑7.88 s30;2022 c14 s16 Court order authorizing entry and inspection 31 (1) If an officer (a) is refused entry into any premises or location that the officer is authorized to enter under section 30, (b) is not given consent to enter a residence, (c) has reasonable grounds to believe that (i) permission to enter premises or a location that the officer is authorized to enter will be refused, or (ii) consent to enter a residence will not be given, or (d) is impeded or has reasonable grounds to believe that the carrying out of an inspection or examination of any premises, location, record, document or thing that the officer is authorized to inspect or examine will be impeded, the officer may apply to the Court of King’s Bench for an order granting the relief provided for under subsection (4). (2) On the filing of an application with the clerk of the Court of King’s Bench, the Court may, if it considers it necessary in the circumstances, hear an interim application on 2 days’ notice and make an interim order granting any relief that the Court considers appropriate pending the determination of the application. (3) An interim order under subsection (2) may be made ex parte if the Court considers it appropriate in the circumstances. (4) On hearing an application the Court may do one or more of the following: (a) authorize the officer to enter the premises, location or residence and carry out the inspection under section 30; (b) direct any occupant to assist the officer in any manner the Court prescribes; (c) restrain any person from impeding the officer from entering the premises, location or residence or from carrying out the officer’s duties; (d) make its order subject to any terms or conditions that the Court considers appropriate in the circumstances; (e) dismiss the application; (f) award costs. 2021 cS-7.88 s31;AR 217/2022 Compliance order 32 If an officer is of the opinion that a person is not complying with this Act or the regulations, the officer may by written order direct that person to comply with this Act or the regulations within the time and in accordance with any directions set out in the order. 2021 cS‑7.88 s32;2022 c14 s16 Court order for compliance 33 (1) If an officer is of the opinion that a person is not complying with (a) this Act or the regulations, or (b) an order under section 32, the officer may apply to the Court of King’s Bench for an order granting the relief provided for under subsection (4). (2) On the filing of an application with the clerk of the Court of King’s Bench, the Court may, if it considers it necessary in the circumstances, hear an interim application on 2 days’ notice and make an interim order granting any relief that the Court considers appropriate pending the determination of the application. (3) An interim order under subsection (2) may be made ex parte if the Court considers it appropriate to do so in the circumstances. (4) On hearing an application the Court may do one or more of the following: (a) direct the person to comply with this Act, the regulations or the order, as the case may be; (b) direct a person to cease carrying out any action that in the opinion of the Court does not comply with this Act, the regulations or the order, as the case may be; (c) give those directions that it considers necessary in order to ensure compliance with this Act, the regulations or the order, as the case may be; (d) make its order subject to any terms or conditions that the Court considers appropriate in the circumstances; (e) dismiss the application; (f) award costs. 2021 cS‑7.88 s33;2022 c14 s16;AR 217/2022 Evidence 34 (1) In a prosecution of an offence under this Act, a certificate purporting to be signed by the Registrar stating that on the date the offence occurred (a) an individual was not registered as an apprentice, (b) the registration of an individual as an apprentice was suspended or cancelled, or (c) the Registrar’s approval of an apprenticeship education agreement had been suspended or cancelled shall be admitted in evidence as proof, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, of the facts stated in the certificate without proof of the signature or the official character of the person signing the certificate. (2) In a prosecution of an offence under this Act, a certificate purporting to be signed by the Administrator stating that on the date the offence occurred (a) an individual did not hold a valid trade certificate in a designated trade, or (b) an individual’s trade certificate had been suspended or revoked shall be admitted in evidence as proof, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, of the facts stated in the certificate without proof of the signature or the official character of the person signing the certificate. (3) A copy of a document, record or other thing certified by an officer to be a true copy shall be admissible in evidence in any proceeding to the same extent and shall have the same evidentiary value as the document, record or thing itself. Proceedings against unincorporated trade union, etc. 34.1 (1) Any proceeding under this Act may be instituted against an unincorporated employers’ organization, occupational association or trade union in any name used by the employers’ organization, occupational association or trade union. (2) For the purposes of any proceeding under this Act, any act or omission by a director, manager, official, employee or agent of an unincorporated employers’ organization, occupational association or trade union is deemed also to be an act or omission of the employers’ organization, occupational association or trade union, as the case may be, if the act or omission was within the scope of the authority of the director, manager, official, employee or agent to act on behalf of the employers’ organization, occupational association or trade union. 2025 c15 s7 Protection from liability 35 No action for damages may be commenced against any person for anything done or not done by that person in good faith while exercising the person’s powers or carrying out that person’s functions under this Act including, without limitation, any failure to do something when that person has discretionary authority to do something but does not do it. Regulations for Part 3 36 The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations (a) prescribing the provisions of the regulations the contravention of which constitutes an offence and prescribing whether the offence is one of absolute or strict liability; (b) respecting the powers and duties of officers, including, without limitation, regulations (i) setting limits or imposing requirements respecting the exercise by officers of any power under this Part or the carrying out by officers of any duty under this Part; (ii) conferring additional powers on officers; (iii) assigning additional duties to officers; (c) respecting any other matter that the Lieutenant Governor in Council considers necessary or advisable for carrying out the purposes and intent of this Part. Part 4 General Sending and service of documents 37 (1) Where a notice, order or other document is required or permitted to be sent or served under this Act, the sending or service may be effected (a) by personal service, (b) by a method of recorded mail that provides proof of receipt and is sent to the address of the person on whom service is to be effected, or (c) in the case of service on a person by the Minister, the Registrar, the Board or the Administrator, by a method of recorded mail that provides proof of receipt and is sent to the latest address, as shown on the records of the Minister, Registrar, Board or Administrator, of the person on whom service is to be effected. (2) In addition to the methods set out in subsection (1), the sending or service of any notice, order or other document that is required or permitted to be sent or served under this Act may be effected by sending the notice, order or other document by electronic means, in accordance with the Electronic Transactions Act , to an email or other electronic address, if any, provided to the Minister, Registrar, Board or Administrator by the person on whom service is to be effected or to an account, if any, established by the person on the Department’s website. Definitions for sections 39 to 41 38 In sections 39 to 41, (a) “former Act” means the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act , RSA 2000 cA‑42; (b) “former Board” means the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board appointed under the former Act. Transitional provisions respecting Part 1 39 On the coming into force of Part 1, (a) an apprenticeship program provided under the former Act and approved by the former Board is deemed to be an apprenticeship education program, and (b) an individual who is registered in an apprenticeship program under the former Act is deemed to be an apprentice registered in an apprenticeship education program under this Act.

Transitional provisions respecting Parts 2 and 3 40 (1) On the coming into force of Part 2, (a) an occupation that was designated as a designated occupation or as a designated trade under the former Act is deemed to be a designated trade under this Act, (b) a trade certificate or occupational certificate granted under the former Act is deemed to be a trade certificate issued under Part 2, (b.1) a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship, a Certificate of Qualification or a Certificate of Proficiency (i) that was issued, recognized or continued under the Manpower Development Act , RSA 1980 cM‑3, and (ii) that was deemed to be a trade certificate issued under the former Act is deemed to be a trade certificate issued under Part 2, (c) a document that was issued by another jurisdiction and recognized under the former Act as being the equivalent of a trade certificate or an occupational certificate is deemed to be recognized as being the equivalent of a trade certificate issued under Part 2, and (d) the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board established under the former Act is dissolved and all appointments to that Board are rescinded. (2) On the coming into force of Part 3, a compliance order that was issued under section 52 of the former Act and that is in effect on the coming into force of this subsection is deemed to have been issued under Part 3. 2021 cS‑7.88 s40;2022 c14 s16 Transitional regulations 41 (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations (a) respecting the transition to this Act of anything from the former Act; (b) to deal with any difficulty or impossibility resulting from this Act or the transition to this Act from the former Act. (2) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may, by regulation, amend regulations made under any Act of Alberta for the purposes of making any changes the Lieutenant Governor in Council considers necessary or advisable as a result of the transition to this Act from the former Act. (3) Regulations authorized by subsection (2) may be made notwithstanding that the regulation being amended was made by a member of the Executive Council or some other person or body. 42 to 47 (These sections amend other Acts; the amendments have been incorporated into those Acts.) Repeal 48 The Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act is repealed. Coming into force 49 This Act comes into force on Proclamation. (NOTE: Proclaimed in force July 20, 2022.)