Versatility in the construction trades
The Act to Modernize the Construction Industry, adopted on May 23, 2024, allows for increased versatility in the trades, under certain conditions, in order to simplify work organization on construction sites.
In the context of work set out in the field of application of Act R-20, versatility extends the range of tasks that the industry’s workers may perform.
For more information on other changes resulting from the Act to Modernize the Construction Industry, consult the “Modernization of the construction industry” section.
The principle of versatility
Section 81 of the Act to Modernize the Construction Industry sets out new terms and conditions concerning versatility that allow holders of journeyperson competency certificates to perform tasks not included in the definition of their trade, if the tasks:
- Are related to the tasks provided in the definition of their trade
- Are part of a single work sequence and allow work, including preparatory or finishing work, to progress and continue
- Are of short duration and performed in a single workday
However, the principle of versatility does not apply:
- To holders of an apprentice competency certificate
- To tasks performed by the following trades: electrician, pipe fitter, fire-protection mechanic, refrigeration mechanic, and elevator mechanic
- To the operation of cranes of any type and to work related to a structure’s stability or load-bearing capacity
Guide to examples for applying the principle of versatility
Here are some examples to illustrate application of the principle of versatility in the construction trades. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list.
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Replacing the roof covering on a triplex
Stage of work
Trade or occupation that could do the work before integration of versatility
Trade in which journeypersons may also do the work since integration of versatility
Remove the old roof covering Occupation or journeyperson in the trade (residual task) Correct the state of the roof decking by changing a few sheets of damaged plywood as needed Carpenter-joiner Roofer Apply the insulation, vapour barriers, and membranes that compose the new covering Roofer -
Modification of a building (expanding an access)
Stage of work
Trade or occupation that could do the work before integration of versatility
Trade in which journeypersons may also do the work since integration of versatility
Remove the door and its frame Occupation or journeyperson in the trade (residual task) Expand opening to allow installation of a new access Labourer or journeyperson in the trade (residual task) Install the new access (frame) Carpenter-joiner Install the doors and hardware Carpenter-joiner Install drywall around the perimeter of the frame
Carpenter-joiner or interior systems installer Fill the joints Plasterer or painter (only if the task is for preparation and conditioning of the surface to be painted) Carpenter-joiner Paint the wall, door, and frame Painter Carpenter-joiner
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Repair a wall in an apartment
Stage of work
Trade or occupation that could do the work before integration of versatility
Trade in which journeypersons may also do the work since integration of versatility
Remove a wall panel of drywall Occupation or journeyperson in the trade (residual task) Install a new wall panel of drywall Carpenter-joiner or interior systems installer Plasterer or painter Fill the joints of the new panel Plasterer or painter Carpenter-joiner or interior systems installer Paint the wall where the repair was made Painter
Carpenter-joiner, interior systems installer, or plasterer -
Repair a sidewalk and concrete steps giving access to a building
Stage of work
Trade or occupation that could do the work before integration of versatility
Trade in which journeypersons may also do the work since integration of versatility
Remove the aluminum guardrails (handrails) Occupation or journeyperson in the trade (residual task) Break up (with a jackhammer) as necessary so a new layer of concrete can be laid Occupation or journeyperson in the trade (residual task)
Lay formwork to the sidewalk and steps Carpenter-joiner
Cement finisher Pour the concrete Occupation or journeyperson in the trade (residual task) Finish (smooth) the concrete surfaces Cement finisher Carpenter-joiner Reinstall the aluminum guardrails (handrails) Iron worker Carpenter-joiner or cement finisher -
Replace a linoleum floor with a ceramic-tile floor in a bathroom
Stage of work
Trade or occupation that could do the work before integration of versatility
Trade in which journeypersons may also do the work since integration of versatility
Remove the linoleum flooring Occupation or journeyperson in the trade (residual task) Reinforce the subfloor by adding a sheet of plywood Carpenter-joiner Tile setter Lay the ceramic tile Tile setter Install the skirting Carpenter-joiner Tile setter
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Installing a gutter during a roof repair
Stage of work
Trade or occupation that could do the work before integration of versatility
Trade in which journeypersons may also do the work since integration of versatility
Remove old roof Occupation worker or journeyperson in the trade (residual task) Apply the insulation, vapour barriers, and shingles that compose the new roof Carpenter-joiner or roofer
Preassemble, attach, and connect downspouts Tinsmith
Carpenter-joiner or roofer Install the gutter Tinsmith Carpenter-joiner or roofer -
Laying new tiles for a suspended ceiling when the thermal insulation of a piping system is being replaced
Stage of work
Trade or occupation that could do the work before integration of versatility
Trade in which journeypersons may also do the work since integration of versatility
Removing the suspended ceiling to access the piping Occupation worker or journeyperson in the trade (residual task) Removing the thermal insulation to be replaced Occupation worker or journeyperson in the trade (residual task)
Installing the new thermal insulation on the piping Insulator Mount and install all metallic supports for the suspended ceiling Interior systems installer Insulator Place the new tiles for the suspended ceiling
Interior systems installer
Insulator
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Installing a new drywall panel when an electrical outlet is being added
Stage of work
Trade or occupation that could do the work before integration of versatility
Trade in which journeypersons may also do the work since integration of versatility
Cut the drywall panel where the new electrical outlet will be installed Occupation worker or journeyperson in the trade (residual task) Run the wires and connect them to the electrical panel Electrician
Install an electrical outlet at the new site Electrician Install a new drywall panel to cover the hole
Carpenter-joiner or interior systems installer Electrician
Fill the joints of the new drywall panel
Plasterer or painter Electrician
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Replacing a plywood floor or wall base before installing ceramic tiles
Stage of work
Trade or occupation that could do the work before integration of versatility
Trade in which journeypersons may also do the work since integration of versatility
Remove the floor or drywall wall
Occupation worker or journeyperson in the trade (residual task)
Reinforce the subfloor or the wall by adding a sheet of plywood
Carpenter-joiner
Tile setter
Install ceramic tiles Tile setter -
Repairing an existing concrete slab with steps and repairing a decorative brick wall
Stage of work
Trade or occupation that could do the work before integration of versatility
Trade in which journeypersons may also do the work since integration of versatility
Break up (with a jackhammer) the existing slab as necessary to receive a new layer of concrete Occupation worker or journeyperson in the trade (residual task) Install formwork for the slab and the steps Carpenter-joiner Cement finisher or bricklayer-mason
Pour the concrete Occupation worker or journeyperson in the trade (residual task) Finish (flatten) the concrete surfaces
Cement finisher Carpenter-joiner or bricklayer-mason
Break up the existing wall as necessary to install new bricks in the staircase wall
Occupation worker or journeyperson in the trade (residual task)
Cut the bricks to be replaced from the wall
Bricklayer-mason Cement finisher or carpenter-joiner
Lay the rows of bricks for the wall
Bricklayer-mason Cement finisher or carpenter-joiner
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Examples of what versatility does not allow
Trade or occupation
Example of what you cannot do
Reason
Plumber Install an electric heater in a bathroom The tasks belonging to the trade of electrician are excluded from versatility. Fire-protection mechanic Do plumbing work in a building The tasks belonging to the trade of pipe fitter, plumbing specialty, are excluded from versatility. Carpenter-joiner Install the reinforcement before formwork is placed for a column Work related to the stability or load-bearing capacity of a structure is excluded from versatility. Shovel operator
Doing painting work on a site Tasks performed under the principle of versatility must be related to tasks set out in the definition of the trade of the worker. Tile setter Install a floating floor in a condo unit Tasks performed under the principle of versatility must be related to tasks set out in the definition of the trade of the worker.
Refrigeration mechanic
Install a propane fireplace in a new structure The tasks belonging to the trade of pipe fitter, plumbing specialty, are excluded from versatility. Millwright
Install a new ventilation duct on a construction site Tasks performed under the principle of versatility must be related to tasks set out in the definition of the trade of the worker.
Ironworker Use a conventional (standard) crawler crane with a capacity of 35 tonnes to install concrete structural elements
Tasks related to the operation of any type of crane and to work related to the stability or load-bearing capacity of a structure are excluded from versatility.
General labourer Install a new aluminum guardrail after the old wooden guardrail is removed The principle of versatility applies only to people who hold a journeyperson competency certificate (JCC).
Painter
Install all drywall wall panels in a new house under construction and then, several days later, point the joints and paint The tasks performed under the principle of versatility must be of short duration in a single workday AND be part of a single work sequence.
Questions about the application of versatility?
The CCQ is taking a preventive approach to guide all stakeholders in integration of the principle of versatility. Communication and awareness raising are key to the actions implemented by our teams to help the industry adapt to this new reality.
For any specific question about application of the principle of versatility, you can contact the CCQ:
- By email: [email protected]
- By phone: 1 833 393-3192 (voicemail)
Have you witnessed a noncompliant situation?
Whether the noncompliant situation is related to versatility or any other subject, you can always report it to us, in complete confidentiality. To make a report, you can:
- Fill out the online form
- Contact us at 514 593-3132 or 1 800 424-3512
Frequently Asked Questions
This section contains answers to the most frequently asked questions about the application of versatility.
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Can a person who holds an apprentice competency certificate (ACC) or an occupation competency certificate (OCC) perform tasks under the principle of versatility?No. The principle of versatility applies only to holders of a journeyman competency certificate (JCC).
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As an employer, how should I declare hours worked under the principle of versatility in my monthly report?Hours worked under the principle of versatility must be declared and paid at the wage rate for the trade or specialty indicated on the competency certificate of the journeyperson performing the tasks.
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Can the task performed under the principle of versatility represent the majority of a worker’s work day?
No, the task performed must be of short duration in a work day. In other words, the task must not represent the majority of a work day.
However, this does not exclude the possibility of repeating this short-duration task during one day or several subsequent days – of course, as long as the other conditions of versatility are respected, that is, that the task in question:
- Is related to the tasks provided in the definition of the trade of the person holding the journeyman competency certificate
- Is part of a single work sequence and allows work, including preparatory or finishing work, to progress and continue
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I hold a journeyman competency certificate (JCC). Under the principle of versatility, do I have the right to perform any task at all on the construction site?
No. Tasks performed under the principle of versatility must:
- Be related to the tasks provided in the definition of the worker’s trade
- Be part of a single work sequence and allow work, including preparatory or finishing work, to progress and continue
- Be of short duration and performed in a single workday
Furthermore, the principle of versatility does not apply to the operation of cranes of any type, to work related to a structure’s stability or load-bearing capacity, or to tasks in the following trades: electrician, pipe fitter, fire-protection mechanic, refrigeration mechanic, and elevator mechanic.
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Can a person who holds an apprentice competency certificate (ACC) perform work related to his or her trade, without the supervision of a journeyperson in the same trade, for the majority of a work day, if that person also holds a journeyman competency certificate (JCC) in another trade?
This situation is complex and requires a two-part answer.
A person who holds a journeyman competency certificate may perform tasks related to the trade of his or her apprentice competency certificate without supervision only if these tasks:
- Are of short duration in a workday
- Are related to the tasks provided in the definition of the trade for which the person has the status of journeyperson
- Are part of a single work sequence and allow work, including preparatory or finishing work, to progress and continue
However, if the person holding a journeyman competency certificate wishes to perform tasks related to the trade of his or her apprentice competency certificate for a longer period – for example, for the majority of a work day – that person must be under the supervision of a journeyperson in the same trade.
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I hold a journeyman competency certificate (JCC). To perform tasks in another trade under the principle of versatility, is it necessary to apply for an apprentice competency certificate for this trade?
No, the very principle of versatility allows only a person who holds a journeyman competency certificate to perform certain tasks from another trade, if these tasks:
- Are related to the tasks provided in the definition of the person’s trade
- Are part of a single work sequence and allow work, including preparatory or finishing work, to progress and continue
- Are of short duration in a workday
However, the notion of versatility does not apply:
- to tasks in the following trades: electrician, pipe fitter, fire-protection mechanic, refrigeration mechanic, and elevator mechanic
- to the operation of cranes of any type and to work related to a structure’s stability or load-bearing capacity
To perform the tasks of another trade without having to comply with the conditions related to the principle of versatility, a person holding a journeyman competency certificate may also apply for an apprentice competency certificate in the trade in question. That person will then have to be under the supervision of a person with the status of journeyperson in the same trade to perform the tasks.