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 72 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

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.

Can a holder of an apprentice competency certificate perform tasks under the principle of versatility?

No. The principle of versatility applies only to holders of a journeyperson competency certificate.
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.
Can tasks performed under the principle of versatility represent the majority of a worker’s workday?

No. Tasks performed under the principle of versatility must be of short duration in a workday. They must also be related to the tasks provided in the definition of the worker’s trade. Finally, the tasks must be part of a single work sequence and allow work, including preparatory or finishing work, to progress and continue.
I hold a journeyperson competency certificate. 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.