Electrical concerns at Pan Am stadium

Questions are being raised about the safety of work being done on the new Pan Am stadium in Hamilton. A Burlington electrical contractor claims the electrical work is not being done by qualified workers. Bob Clairmont claims general labourers are being used to place light fixtures, hang transformers and install conduits, work he says should be done by a certified electrician or apprentice. The issue was raised during Tuesday’s Question Period by NDP MPP Paul Miller: “Two weeks ago I met with workers from Clairmont Electrical to discuss concerns they had with the Pan Am stadium.  They informed me that they were asked to sign a document, permitting non-electrical workers to install electrical equipment, all in the interests of cutting costs.  The College of Trades, which this government established, was put in place to prevent these type of practises.  Mr. Speaker, does the Minister believe that the use of labourers with no specialized training in electrical work, is the safest way to install electrical equipment at the Pan am venues?”

Ontario Labour Minister Yasir Naqvi responded:   “In this particular case Speaker, the Ministry of Labour has visited the site seven different times on different matters to make sure the rules are complied with.  It is my understanding that the College of Trade is aware that Clairmont Electric’s concern, but no official complaint has been issued at this time and therefore, no investigation can be done of this issue that has been raised by the member.”

The stadium will cost $145 million and is expected to be completed in time for the July 2014 Pan Am games.