After more than 35 years dedicated to public safety regulation in Ontario, Tom Ayres, TSSA’s Vice President, Policy, Legal and General Counsel, is retiring. He leaves behind a legacy that helped shape the modern regulatory landscape for safety, not only at TSSA but across Canada.
“On behalf of the Government of Ontario, I would like to recognize Tom Ayres for his many years of dedicated public service and leadership in advancing technical safety and consumer protection across the province,” said Stephen Crawford, Ontario’s Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement. “His contributions to modernizing Ontario’s safety oversight framework have helped strengthen public safety outcomes for Ontarians and support innovation in regulatory practice.”
Ayres joined the Ministry of the Attorney General in 1988 as a prosecutor assigned to what was then the Technical Standards Division of the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations.
“I actually fell into public safety regulation,” Ayres said. “When I graduated from law school, I articled with the Ministry of the Environment and discovered I really enjoyed regulatory litigation. It felt like a growing area where you could make a meaningful impact.”
At the time, Ontario was experiencing a series of serious safety incidents in regulated sectors, and enforcement was viewed as the primary tool for improving compliance.
“I was hired as a prosecutor because there had been a rash of fatalities, and there was concern that industry had lost its way,” Ayres recalled. “The idea at the time was that prosecution was the way to ensure compliance.”
What began as a legal career rooted in enforcement, however, evolved into something much broader: a decades-long effort to modernize how public safety regulation is approached, implemented and measured.
Building the Foundation
Ayres played a foundational role in the creation of TSSA in 1996 and later helped lead the development of the Technical Standards and Safety Act and its associated regulations, which came into force in 2001.
“Looking back, one of the things I’m most proud of is helping create the legal and regulatory infrastructure that allowed TSSA to operate effectively and efficiently,” Ayres said. “The structure outlined in the Act ended up becoming something other organizations looked to and replicated across the country and in other countries as well.”
But perhaps his most significant contribution was helping transform TSSA from a traditional compliance-focused regulator into one guided by more risk-informed and outcome-based approaches to public safety oversight.
“Much of the progress TSSA has made as a modern, outcome-based regulator is rooted in Tom’s leadership and willingness to challenge traditional thinking,” said Bonnie Rose, President and CEO, TSSA. “His work helped transform how we approach risk, evidence-based decision making and collaboration in support of public safety.”
Rethinking Regulation
In TSSA’s early years, regulatory oversight largely treated all regulated entities the same, regardless of the level of risk they posed. Inspection schedules were standardized, and enforcement approaches were largely reactive.
“Prosecution was considered to be the way to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements,” Ayres recalled. “And so, there was a very aggressive prosecution agenda to try and send a message.”
Over time, however, Ayres began to question whether a purely punitive approach was producing the best public safety outcomes.
“We were prosecuting people left, right and centre and getting significant fines, but it wasn’t necessarily changing behaviour in the way we hoped,” he said. “It became apparent that while some people deliberately break the rules, many others are trying to comply but lack information, resources or support.”
At the same time, Ayres became increasingly focused on developments around regulatory negligence and the need for regulators to demonstrate that their oversight decisions were reasonable, evidence-based and effective.
“That was really the genesis of the risk-informed approach,” he explained.
In 2005, Ayres led the development of TSSA’s Public Safety Risk Management division and championed the organization’s shift toward risk-informed oversight. The transformation involved improving data collection and analysis, implementing risk-based inspection scheduling, and developing more consistent approaches to assessing and prioritizing safety risks.
Building a More Collaborative Approach
The transition toward risk-informed regulation also required a significant cultural shift both within TSSA and among the industries it regulates.
“At one point, regulation was very much a game of cat and mouse. There was this assumption that everyone was trying to cut corners,” Ayres said. “Over time, we realized that most people want to do the right thing. An accident is not good for anybody’s business.”
That realization helped shape a broader regulatory philosophy focused not only on enforcement, but also on industry collaboration, education and compliance support. “There are many tools available to regulators,” Ayres said. “Effective regulation is rarely one-dimensional.”
Continuing the Evolution
Ayres admits that the journey toward modernized regulation was not always straightforward. High-profile events such as the Sunrise Propane explosion in 2008 created renewed pressure for more traditional enforcement approaches and temporarily slowed momentum toward risk-informed oversight.
“There were definitely moments where people questioned whether we were going in the right direction,” Ayres said. “But meaningful change takes time, and you have to stay committed long enough to see whether it’s working.”
In recent years, Ayres says he has been encouraged to see TSSA further embrace outcome-based regulation and modern risk-management approaches.
“We’re at a stage now where we’re increasingly able to demonstrate that these approaches improve safety outcomes for Ontarians while also reducing unnecessary burden on industry,” he says.
A Lasting Legacy
While Ayres is proud of the systems and frameworks developed over his career, he speaks most passionately about the people behind the work.
“What’s always impressed me is how deeply TSSA employees care and are committed to public safety,” he says. “They believe in what they’re doing and try to do the right thing to keep the province safe.”
His advice for future leaders is grounded in the lessons he learned throughout his own career.
“You need to be courageous enough to challenge assumptions and do things that are outside of your comfort zone,” he says. “Most importantly, rely on data and facts and follow the evidence.”
Key Milestones under Tom Ayres' Leadership
Ontario’s nuclear sector is expanding through major refurbishments and emerging SMR projects, creating demand for specialized roles. TSSA’s Kim Semper discusses workforce challenges and how TSSA is helping build nuclear safety capacity for the future.
Ontario’s nuclear fleet supplies more than half of the province’s electricity. With major refurbishments underway and small modular reactors (SMRs) in development, the sector is entering a sustained growth phase that requires more skilled talent.
Large-scale refurbishments are underway at Bruce, Darlington, and Pickering, while early-stage planning for SMRs (smaller nuclear facilities that are quicker to build) is also progressing. Highly specialized skilled labour, particularly in welding, inspections, and engineering, is in high demand for safe nuclear operations.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is Ontario’s public safety regulator and an Authorized Inspection Agency designated by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). Kim Semper, Statutory Director of Boilers and Pressure Vessels at TSSA, discusses the opportunities for talent amid nuclear sector growth.
1. How is nuclear growth affecting demand for skilled labour?
Among the many fields in the nuclear industry, demand is growing for inspectors of nuclear pressure boundary equipment, welders, and non-destructive examination professionals. These roles require advanced technical expertise, strong attention to detail, and strict adherence to nuclear codes, standards, and regulatory requirements. For example, nuclear welding involves pressure-retaining systems where preparation, execution, inspection, and documentation must meet stringent requirements. Inspectors also use advanced techniques such as radiography and ultrasonic testing to detect defects more precisely.
2. Is there currently a talent gap in the nuclear industry?
The sector faces a structural labour shortage. Limited nuclear construction over the past decades reduced training pipelines and slowed entry into the trades, so rebuilding capacity is taking time. There is also a specialization gap because nuclear inspection of pressure boundary equipment requires a combination of engineering knowledge, trade experience, and regulatory interpretation that is not easily transferable from other sectors. As an Authorized Inspection Agency supporting Ontario’s nuclear facilities, TSSA is seeing rising demand for qualified inspectors and engineers as refurbishment activity accelerates.
3. What’s the plan to address talent gaps in nuclear pressure boundary equipment inspections?
TSSA is strengthening its talent pipeline through a multi-year nuclear pressure boundary inspector training program. Launched in 2024, the program is building long-term capacity by recruiting and developing 17 inspectors to support Ontario’s nuclear stations.
4. What does the TSSA training pathway involve?
New inspectors typically enter with an engineering or skilled trade background and progress through training focused on regulatory frameworks, inspection methodologies, and nuclear safety requirements. The pathway leads to designation as an Authorized Nuclear Inspector and typically takes several years, including the completion of the National Board Authorized Nuclear Inspector course, field experience, examinations, and internal training modules. Recent cohorts have included engineers, welders, and quality assurance professionals. In 2026, the first graduate of this program began working for TSSA at one of Ontario’s nuclear generating stations, while others are on track to complete their field training.
5. Is the current workforce sufficient for future needs?
At TSSA, our current inspection capacity and trainee program are sufficient to meet existing requirements. However, the nuclear industry is on a strong growth trajectory that requires additional skilled trades over time. To support the sector, there should be more specialized training programs for nuclear trades. Government, industry, and educational institutions will need to work together to develop a long-term strategy that rebuilds and sustains a talent pipeline for the growing nuclear sector.
Visit TSSA’s website for more information.
Our Annual Public Meeting (APM) and Safety Awards Presentation will be held on September 17, 2026.
The APM is an opportunity to report on our performance and present safety awards to individuals who have made significant contributions to public safety in Ontario.
Please RSVP to apm@tssa.org by September 1, 2026, indicating whether you will be attending in-person or virtually.
We look forward to having you join us.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) has expanded the suite of online services on the Client Portal. Beginning on March 16, 2026, all engineering submissions and exam and certification services are accessible through the Client Portal ─ a centralized gateway to TSSA’s online services.
Moving more core services online demonstrates TSSA’s continued efforts to improve client experience by enhancing the accessibility of the Client Portal as a one-stop shop for doing business with TSSA.
“In 2024, we launched the Client Portal to modernize our systems so that regulated clients can focus on managing safety,” says TSSA President and CEO Bonnie Rose. “Today, the expansion of online services on the Client Portal marks our continued commitment to enhance accessibility and ease of doing business with TSSA.”
Making more services accessible online enhances visibility by allowing clients to monitor the status of their applications in real time. In addition to simplifying the process for submitting design and engineering applications for regulated equipment, the step-by-step approach of online submissions makes it easier for clients to provide the required information and supporting documents.
As a result of implementing enhancements, turnaround times for processing engineering applications and issuing certificates have improved significantly. As TSSA continues to meet faster turnaround times going forward, expedited services for engineering are no longer available except for unforeseen, emergency situations.
On the training and professional certification front, integrating exam and certification services into the Client Portal improves user experience. Streamlining the exam-application process shortens the time it takes to become certified for professionals seeking to work in a TSSA-regulated industry.
Watch the video to learn about the improvements brought about by moving more services online and how it enhances ease of doing business with TSSA.
For assistance or inquiries on the Client Portal, please contact TSSA’s Customer Contact Centre at 1-877-682-8772 or refer to the self-help resources on TSSA’s website.
Engineering Service Changes by Industry
Exam & Certification Services Changes
This news was shared with all TSSA clients.
No access to both the Client and Prepayment Portals during system upgrade
This is a reminder that the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) will perform a system upgrade to migrate more services online. As a result, both the Client and Prepayment Portals will not be accessible starting on Wednesday, March 11, at 4:00 p.m. EST until Monday, March 16, at 8:00 a.m. EST.
TSSA’s response times may be affected during and immediately after the system upgrade as we integrate more core services into the Client Portal to streamline key processes and improve client experience.
As of March 16, 2026, new services available on the Client Portal include:
- Engineering submissions for regulated equipment: Online services provide clear, step-by-step instructions, making it easier for clients to provide the required information and supporting documents for engineering submissions. For details, please read:
- Amusement Devices
- Elevating Devices and Ski Lift
- Fuels Safety
- Boilers and Pressure Vessels
- Certification and Exam Services: We have streamlined the exam-application process and shortened the time it takes to obtain certification through TSSA. Professionals seeking certification to work in a TSSA-regulated industry will be able to access all exam and certification services through the Client Portal ─ a centralized gateway for all applications. For details, please read Exam and Certification communication.
Sign Up for Client Portal
If you are not yet a Client Portal user, follow these instructions to sign up. After creating access to the Client Portal, you must link your portal profile to your existing TSSA account to perform transactions, submit applications and access online services.
This news was shared with all TSSA clients.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is expanding the suite of online services on the Client Portal.
Integrating more core services into the Client Portal supports TSSA’s commitment to improving client experience and increasing accessibility to key services. Starting March 16, 2026, the following services will be available on the Client Portal:
- Engineering submissions for regulated equipment
- Certification and Exam services, including:
- Online application for examinations
- Certificate reinstatement
- Application for a certificate from outside Ontario
- Obtaining Training Provider accreditation
- Computer-based, in-person examinations at dedicated exam centres
What this Means for Public Information Clients
- Temporary system outage: To support the expansion of online services, TSSA will perform a system upgrade. Both the Client and Prepayment Portals will be inaccessible starting on Wednesday, March 11 at 4:00 p.m. EST until Monday, March 16 at 8:00 a.m. EST. Public Information requests cannot be submitted during the system outage.
- New process for submitting Public Information requests: Starting March 16, 2026, clients will follow updated steps to submit Public Information requests through the Client Portal:
- Log in to the TSSA Client Portal
- Select ‘Applications’ from the navigation menu
- Click ‘Start an Application’
- Select the appropriate program (Amusement Devices, Boilers and Pressure Vessels, Elevating Devices, Fuels Safety, Operating Engineer, Ski). If your request is for multiple programs, select any one of the programs to go to the page where you can select ‘multiple programs' in the application.
- Click ‘Request Public Information’ to begin your application.
If you need help using the Client Portal, please contact TSSA’s Customer Contact Centre at 1-877-682-8772.
This communication was sent to clients who have submitted public information requests.
February 26, 2026
As Ontario’s public safety regulator, Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is dedicated to advancing safety across the province. As a not for profit organization, TSSA sets its fees on a cost recovery basis to reflect the actual cost of its services.
TSSA has made significant progress toward cost recovery while continuing to improve organizational efficiencies. This approach aligns with TSSA’s Outcome-Based Regulator principles and helps both TSSA and our regulated sectors stay focused on what matters most – minimizing the risk of harm.
TSSA reviews fees annually to ensure we can adequately fulfill our regulatory responsibilities. Through this review, TSSA has determined that an inflationary fee increase is sufficient for continued cost recovery that supports the effective delivery of our safety mandate, while considering service delivery value for stakeholders.
Inflationary fee increase of 2.4%
Effective May 1, 2026, an inflationary fee increase of 2.4% will apply to the Fuels, Elevating Device, Ski Lift and Amusement Device programs, as well as Boiler and Pressure Vessel (BPV) inspections and engineering. However, there is no planned inflationary fee increase for the BPV Certificate of Inspection (BPV COI) program on May 1, 2026, as a fee adjustment aimed at eliminating the historic deficit and achieving cost recovery in this area already took effect at the beginning of this year.
Enhancing customer service and experience
TSSA continues to pursue greater efficiency while implementing annual fee adjustments at or less than the rate of inflation to support cost recovery and maintain the resources needed to advance services. Along with expanding services on the TSSA Client Portal, upcoming improvements include enhanced examination and certification services and streamlined engineering reviews. These services will provide more flexible options for writing exams and obtaining certifications, as well as more predictable engineering timelines and faster access to reviews.
General reminders: The steps to minimize your fees
To comply with regulatory obligations and save costs, customers are encouraged to take the following steps:
- Follow all safety regulations and codes.
- Make sure your workers have the appropriate training and the certifications or licences that apply to them.
- Provide ongoing safety training and education for your workers.
- Make sure all required documentation is in order.
- Provide support needed for TSSA to complete audits or inspections.
- Keep your authorizations (licences, permits, registrations, certificates) current and pay for them before the expiry date to avoid late payment fees.
- Provide at least three business days' notice to TSSA when cancelling or rescheduling an inspection you initiate to avoid cancellation fees.
- Keep your contact and device information up to date.
Paying your fees
TSSA accepts credit card payments for invoices through TSSA’s Client Portal.
For more information, please visit www.tssa.org/fees.
TSSA appreciates your continued partnership and understanding. Should you have any questions or require further information, please contact us at 1-877-682-8772 or customerservices@tssa.org
Amusement Devices (AD) clients can access additional online services through the TSSA Client Portal effective March 16, 2026.
TSSA is integrating more core services into the Client Portal to streamline key processes and improve client experience. New services available on the Client Portal as of March 16, 2026, include:
- Engineering submissions (Technical Dossiers)
- Certification and Exam Services: Apply online for examinations, reinstate certificates, apply for a certificate if you’re from outside Ontario, and obtain Training Provider accreditation. Computer-based examinations will be done in person at dedicated exam centres.
Automating services enhances clients’ ability to self-serve and access real-time updates on their applications. The step-by-step approach of online services provides clear instructions that make it easier for clients to provide the required information and supporting documents.
Amusement Device clients can expect the following changes on March 16, 2026:
- All AD-related engineering services will be moved to the Client Portal. The Prepayment Portal will no longer be used for submitting applications.
- Expedited requests for AD design registrations will not be available on the Client Portal. Design registration submissions will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Requests to expedite AD design registrations will be considered on a case-by-case basis under exceptional circumstances. Expedited requests with a clear rationale can be sent to addesignsubmittal@tssa.org.
Training Sessions
To help AD clients understand the new way to submit AD technical dossiers on the Client Portal, TSSA is offering training to AD owners and submitting engineers on:
March 9, 2026 | 9:10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23467468726499?p=u36quRzqKTZly6Veky
Meeting ID: 234 674 687 264 99
Passcode: DR7ja9MB
Recordings, written instructions, and supporting materials will be posted online after the training. For one-on-one support after the training, email eddesignsubmittal@tssa.org.
Temporary System Outage for Upgrade
TSSA will perform a system upgrade to migrate more services online. As a result, the Client and Prepayment Portals will not be accessible starting on Wednesday, March 11 at 4:00 p.m. EST until Monday, March 16 at 8:00 a.m. EST.
Amusement Devices clients who need to submit requests or applications should do so before the system upgrade or after March 16. We seek your patience as TSSA’s response times may be affected during and immediately after the system upgrade.
Sign Up for Client Portal
If you are not yet a Client Portal user, follow these instructions to sign up. After creating access to the Client Portal, you must link your portal profile to your existing TSSA account to perform transactions, submit applications and access online services.
Account users can continue to access existing services on the Client Portal to:
- Submit and pay for applications available on the Client Portal. Please use the Prepayment Portal for other applications.
- View and download inspection reports, permits, licences or certificates
- View issued orders
- Update your account and contact information
- Sign up for paperless invoicing
Stay tuned for further updates. For more information on the Client Portal, please refer to the FAQs.
This was shared with Amusement Device licencees and web subscribers.
TSSA is integrating more core services into the Client Portal to streamline key processes and improve client experience. Effective March 16, 2026, all engineering submissions — including design submissions and alteration applications — must be submitted through the Client Portal.
A valid Elevating Device (ED) or Ski Lift contractor registration is required to submit all engineering applications online (except for variances, safety assessments, and private dwelling inquiries). Contractors with registrations expiring March 31, 2026, must renew on time to avoid a late fee and disruptions to application submissions.
TSSA will perform a system upgrade to migrate more services online. As a result, the Client and Prepayment Portals will not be accessible starting on Wednesday, March 11 at 4:00 p.m. until Monday, March 16 at 8:00 a.m. EST. Please submit your applications before mid-March to avoid processing delays. For details, refer to the renewal package instructions sent to ED and Ski Lift contractors.
Training Sessions
TSSA is offering training on how to submit ED design packages or alterations through the Client Portal.
Elevating Devices:
Friday, March 6, 2026 | 9:30–11:30 a.m. (EST)
Microsoft Teams
Join the ED Portal Training now
Meeting ID: 239 035 241 172 32
Passcode: fx6Kj7yr
Friday, March 6, 2026 | 1:00–3:00 p.m. (EST
Join the SKI Portal Training Now
Meeting ID: 211 143 763 891 15
Passcode: rH2FJ7NP
Recordings, written instructions, and supporting materials will be posted online after the training. Organizations submitting under Elevating Devices, Amusement Devices, or Ski Lifts only need to attend one session as submission steps are consistent across these industries. For one-on-one support after the training, email eddesignsubmittal@tssa.org.
Sign Up for Client Portal
If you are not yet a Client Portal user, follow these instructions to sign up. After creating access to the Client Portal, ensure you link your portal profile to your existing TSSA account to perform transactions, submit applications and access online services.
This news was sent to ED and Ski Lift contractors and web subscribers.
Fuels clients can access additional online services through the TSSA Client Portal as of March 16, 2026.
TSSA is integrating more core services into the Client Portal to streamline key processes and improve client experience. New services available on the Client Portal as of March 16, 2026, include:
- Engineering submissions
- Certification and Exam Services: Apply online for examinations, reinstate certificates, apply for a certificate if you’re from outside Ontario, and obtain Training Provider accreditation. Computer-based examinations will be done in person at dedicated exam centres.
Automating services enhances clients’ ability to self-serve and access real-time updates on their applications. The step-by-step approach of online services provides clear instructions that make it easier for clients to provide the required information and supporting documents.
What This Means to Fuels Clients
Fuels clients can expect the following changes on March 16, 2026:
- All Fuels engineering services will be moved to the Client Portal. Emailed applications will no longer be accepted. Mandatory required documents can still be found through the Engineering Approvals webpage on the TSSA website.
- Expedited engineering services will no longer be available, as turnaround times for processing such applications have come down significantly.
Temporary System Outage for Upgrade
TSSA will perform a system upgrade to migrate more services online. As a result, the Client and Prepayment Portals will not be accessible starting on Wednesday, March 11 at 4:00 p.m. until Monday, March 16 at 8:00 a.m. EST.
Fuels clients who need to submit requests or applications should do so before the system upgrade or after March 16. We seek your patience as TSSA’s response times may be affected during and immediately after the system upgrade.
Sign Up for Client Portal
If you are not yet Client Portal user, follow these instructions to sign up. After creating access to the Client Portal, you must link your portal profile to your existing TSSA account to perform transactions, submit applications and access online services.
Account users can continue to access existing services on the Client Portal to:
- Submit and pay for applications available on the Client Portal. Please use the Prepayment Portal for other applications.
- View and download inspection reports, permits, licences or certificates
- View issued orders
- Update your account and contact information
- Sign up for paperless invoicing
Stay tuned for further updates. For more information on the Client Portal, please refer to the FAQs.
This was shared with Fuels clients and Fuels web subscribers.