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Campaign · Manitoba

Changes Are Coming to Electrology in Manitoba

A New Pathway for Electrologists in Manitoba Is Underway.

After years of restrictions on new practitioners entering the trade, important changes are now moving forward for electrology in Manitoba.

Latest News

Recent Updates

August 12, 2026

Change To The Electrology Moratorium Has Come!

The Apprenticeship and Certification Board has recommended de-designation of the Electrologist trade, and the Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation has approved moving forward with the legislative process to implement the change.

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June 13, 2026

Letter to the Editor: Manitoba's Electrology Moratorium Is Driving Workers Away

A letter published in the Winnipeg Sun on June 13, 2026, highlights concerns surrounding Manitoba's electrology moratorium and its impact on skilled workers, business owners, and individuals seeking access to electrology services.

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June 1, 2026

Supporting Manitoba's Electrologists — Letter from Canadian School of Electrolysis Founder

Brookes Brown, CPE and founder of the Canadian School of Electrolysis, writes in support of lifting Manitoba's electrology moratorium to create pathways for new practitioners and improve access to care.

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Manitoba Is Falling Behind. Since 2019: No Clear Public Timeline.
Manitoba is the Only Province Blocking New Electrologists & Stifling New Businesses

Key Facts

What You Need to Know

Apprenticeship Manitoba Recommended De-designation

In 2023, Apprenticeship Manitoba's own board meeting minutes confirmed that de-designation had previously been recommended, yet the moratorium remained in place.

A National Certification Pathway Already Exists

Electrologists can be certified through a recognized national organization, meaning there is already a professional standard available outside Manitoba's current blocked apprenticeship pathway.

Manitoba Appears to Be the Exception in Canada

Other Canadian provinces do not appear to require a compulsory trade certificate for electrologists, making Manitoba's ongoing freeze an unusual barrier to entry.

The Impact

Why Manitoba Needs Electrologists

The moratorium affects Manitobans in real and measurable ways across health, business, and community access.

Clients Seeking Permanent Hair Removal

Manitobans face longer wait times and fewer providers as the electrologist workforce ages and no new practitioners can enter.

Women with Hormonal Conditions

Those experiencing PCOS, menopause, or hormonal hair growth rely on electrolysis as a medically appropriate treatment — access is shrinking.

Trans & Gender-Diverse Manitobans

Electrolysis is a recognized part of gender-affirming care. Reduced provider availability directly impacts this community's access to care.

Menopause Care Gap

Manitoba is opening menopause clinics, yet the electrology moratorium blocks new providers from entering a service many women need for hormone-related hair growth. This creates an avoidable gap in care.

Retiring Electrologists & Business Owners

Owners who have built practices over decades cannot find qualified buyers or successors — the moratorium creates no pathway for business transition.

Local Jobs & Small Business Growth

The moratorium prevents investment in a regulated, skilled trade, blocking job creation and small business development across Manitoba.

By the Numbers

The Impact in Numbers

The training gap and lost opportunities created by Manitoba's electrology moratorium — by the numbers.

2019Year the moratorium began

Over 6 years with no clear public timeline or resolution.

1,000 hrsRequired Manitoba training

Manitoba requires 1,000 hours over 12+ months — but there is currently no pathway to complete it.

500 hrsFCEA national certification standard

The Federation of Canadian Electrolysis Associations standard is 500 hours — yet Manitoba blocks access entirely.

0New apprenticeships accepted

Zero new electrologist apprenticeship or trade qualification applications have been accepted since the moratorium.

9 of 10Provinces with an open pathway

Every other Canadian province allows new electrologists to enter the field. Manitoba stands alone.

1Province with a compulsory trade freeze

Manitoba is the only province where electrology is a compulsory certified trade and new entrants are blocked.

Solutions

Open the Pathway Manitoba

The goal is to reopen a safe pathway for new electrologists to train, practice, have out-of-province training recognized, and become certified. These are practical, achievable changes.

Take Action Now
1Lift or revise the moratorium
2Allow approved out-of-province electrology training
3Allow supervised practice under a certified electrologist
4Create a temporary or conditional permit pathway
5Create a business succession pathway for existing practices
6Reopen trade qualification applications or create an exam/challenge pathway
7Provide a public timeline for the trade review
The Blockages

What the Moratorium Prevents

The current moratorium creates no clear pathway for any of the following:

New apprenticeship registrations
Trade qualification applications
Out-of-province training recognition
Business succession for retiring electrologists
Supervised entry into the profession

The Key Statement

Manitoba Is The Only Province Blocking New Electrologists

Compare Manitoba to other provinces. Manitoba is the only province with this kind of freeze on new electrologist registration. We are asking for change, transparency, and a reasonable path forward. This is not acceptable, and Manitobans deserve action now.

Learn More About the Issue
Featured Voices

Voices Speaking Up for Change

1 / 3
Electrologists & Clinic Owners
"A moratorium that prevents qualified individuals from pursuing training and certification does not strengthen the profession. Instead, it creates barriers to workforce development and limits access to essential services for Manitobans."

Brookes Brown, CPE — Founder & Educator, Canadian School of Electrolysis

Electrologists & Clinic Owners
"Electrology is a niche industry that does not fit the framework of traditional apprenticeship boards. De-designation is not a step backward; it is the most progressive path forward for our industry. Every other Canadian province successfully relies on private training curricula and rigorous industry standards integrated directly with provincial public health regulations."

Jeannie Hiebert, C.P.E. — Genie Solutions, Winnipeg

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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