Letters of Support

Letter of Support — A Veteran Electrologist & Former Trade School Director

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

To Whom It May Concern,

As an electrology practitioner with 45 years of experience in Manitoba and the former director of a provincially approved trade school, I am writing to express my strongest professional support for this public advocacy website and the urgent campaign to de-designate the electrologist trade in Manitoba.

Our industry is currently facing a state of bureaucratic extinction. For eight years, a regulatory moratorium has locked electrology into an impossible situation. The province legally mandates it as a "compulsory trade"; yet Apprenticeship Manitoba refuses to accept trade qualification applications, frozen under an indefinite review. Local training is a dead end. Out-of-province certificates are not recognized because the "Trade Qualifier"; intake is entirely frozen.

Since the late 1990's when Apprenticeship Manitoba introduced an unrealistically lengthy apprenticeship requirement of 1000 hours, almost no new electrologists have come on stream.  When it was recognized that this was failing, Instead of de-designation, as was suggested by the board, they closed all doors.

In all other provinces (none of which have designated this a trade), dozens of dedicated electrolysis clinics thrive.  In Manitoba finding an electrologist is extremely difficult.  A large demographic of local citizens who rely on permanent hair removal for medical necessities including severe PCOS, endocrine disorders, pre-surgical gender-affirming care and post menopause have no treatment options.  Although laser hair removal is an option for many, it can only treat dark, coarse hair.  However, hirsutism often presents with coarse blonde, reddish, white, or fine hair which cannot be treated with laser.

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

It is time for the province to lift the moratorium and full de-designate the electrology trade. This represents the most practical and efficient pathway to revitalize our local industry.

Respectfully,

Jeannie Hiebert  C.P.E.
Genie Solutions
3-1311 Portage Avenue
geniesolutions.ca

Letter of Support — Founder & Educator of the Canadian School of Electrolysis

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

June 1, 2026

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing in support of Manitoba electrologists and aspiring electrologists who are seeking the removal of the current moratorium on the Electrologist trade in Manitoba.

My name is Brookes Brown, CPE. I am a practicing electrologist, owner of Hilltop Electrolysis & Laser in Ontario, and founder and educator of the Canadian School of Electrolysis. Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of working directly with clients seeking permanent hair removal services while also educating and mentoring the next generation of electrologists entering our profession.

From both a practitioner and educator perspective, I believe the ongoing moratorium has created significant barriers for Manitobans seeking to enter a profession that continues to serve an important healthcare and personal care need within our communities.

Electrolysis is recognized as the only permanent method of hair removal and serves a diverse population of clients, including individuals with hormonal conditions such as PCOS, those experiencing medically related hair growth, and individuals seeking gender affirming care. The demand for qualified electrologists continues to grow across Canada, yet Manitoba currently has no clear pathway for new practitioners to enter the profession. This creates workforce shortages, limits access to care, and reduces consumer choice.

As an educator, I have witnessed firsthand the value of structured training, supervised practical experience, competency evaluations, and continuing education. Across Canada, reputable educational programs and professional organizations continue to provide comprehensive training standards that prepare graduates to practice safely, ethically, and effectively.

I fully support maintaining high standards for education, public safety, infection prevention, and professional competency. However, 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.

I respectfully encourage Manitoba's decision makers to review the current status of the moratorium and work collaboratively with industry stakeholders, educators, practicing electrologists, and professional associations to establish a fair, accessible, and modern pathway into the profession.

The goal should not be to restrict entry into a needed profession, but rather to ensure that future electrologists receive quality education, appropriate supervision, and meaningful opportunities to serve the public safely.

As someone who has dedicated much of my career to advancing professional standards within electrology, I believe Manitoba has an opportunity to become a leader in supporting both consumer protection and workforce development. Lifting the moratorium and replacing it with a transparent, competency based pathway would benefit practitioners, students, businesses, and most importantly, the clients who rely on these services.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this important matter.

Respectfully,

Brookes Brown, CPE
Founder & Educator
The Canadian School of Electrolysis
Owner & Electrologist
Hilltop Electrolysis & Laser
Cobourg, Ontario

Letter of Support — A Practicing Electrologist & Instructor

Kim Gerry (she/her), CE — Timeless Electrolysis, Chilliwack, BC

May 26, 2026

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing as a practicing electrologist with nearly 20 years of experience, an instructor and a clinic owner within the Canadian electrology community.

I recognize the importance of regulating electrology to ensure strong standards in infection control, training, and client safety. Electrolysis is a well-established practice dating back to 1872 and is safe and effective when performed by properly trained practitioners.

Across Canada, electrology remains largely unregulated, resulting in wide variability in training. Some programs offer certification with as little as 30–40 hours, while others provide comprehensive training of 320–500 hours. This inconsistency highlights the need for stronger, unified standards.

However, Manitoba's current approach—particularly the moratorium—represents the opposite extreme. It is limiting workforce growth and restricting access to care. Regulation should raise standards, not create barriers that prevent qualified practitioners from entering the field.

Electrolysis is not solely cosmetic—it is often medically necessary for pre-surgical preparation and for managing conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS/PMOS), hirsutism, pilonidal cysts, and graft hair removal in reconstructive contexts. Limiting access can have meaningful physical and psychological impacts for those who rely on these services.

I support appropriate regulation that ensures safety and competency while allowing a reasonable pathway for new practitioners to enter the profession. A balanced approach that upholds standards while maintaining access to care would best serve Manitobans.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kim Gerry (she/her), CE
Timeless Electrolysis
Chilliwack, BC
604-316-9514
timelesselectrolysis@gmail.com
www.timelesselectrolysis.com

Letter of Support — Swanson's Canadian Institute of Electrolysis

Karen Dykstra, CE, CCE — Owner, Swanson's Canadian Institute of Electrolysis

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing in support of revisiting and modernizing the current moratorium and restrictions surrounding electrolysis training and regulation in Manitoba.

Electrolysis is a well established profession that has safely existed since 1875 and continues to grow worldwide as demand for permanent hair removal increases. Across Canada and internationally, electrolysis remains an important and thriving service within the personal care and medical aesthetics industries.

Electrolysis is not simply a cosmetic service. It provides meaningful support and improved quality of life for many individuals dealing with medical and hormonal conditions. This includes women experiencing unwanted facial and body hair due to conditions such as Hirsutism and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), as well as menopausal women who often experience increased facial hair growth due to hormonal changes. For many clients, electrolysis can significantly improve self-esteem, confidence, and emotional well-being.

In particular, electrolysis is also an essential service for many transgender individuals. Permanent hair removal is often a critical part of gender affirming care and personal well-being. Restricting access to education and practitioner availability in Manitoba unintentionally creates barriers for members of the transgender community who rely on these services. A modernized and inclusive regulatory approach would help improve accessibility and equity for Manitobans seeking care.

Our institution regularly receives inquiries from individuals in Manitoba who are interested in pursuing professional electrolysis training. Unfortunately, due to the current moratorium and regulatory limitations, we are unable to assist any of these prospective students despite significant interest and demand.

Our school offers comprehensive electrolysis education programs that include options for either 120 hours or 200 hours of practical training, alongside theoretical instruction designed to prepare students for safe and competent practice. These programs are structured to support high educational standards while also providing accessible pathways into the profession.

We strongly support efforts to review and improve the current situation in Manitoba. We believe there is an opportunity to create a fair, modern, inclusive, and practical framework that protects public safety while also allowing qualified schools and students to participate in this important profession.

Thank you for your time and consideration regarding this matter. We would welcome the opportunity to participate in discussions or provide additional information that may assist in future regulatory review.

Sincerely,

Karen Dykstra, CE, CCE*
Owner

Swanson's Canadian Institute of Electrolysis
& The Sardis Electrolysis Lounge
& A & E Beauty Supplies

"Training Electrologists Since 1972"

P: 1-877-500-0460
W: swansonsinstitute.ca

CE – Certified Electrologist (Swanson's Canadian Institute of Electrolysis)
CCE – Certified Clinical Electrologist (SCMHR)

Letter of Support — An Aspiring Electrologist

Ceilidh van Sleeuwen (she/her) — Constituent, Wolseley

To All Concerned,

I am writing as a constituent of Wolseley to request your support in addressing a significant barrier to the electrology trade, which is affecting both aspiring health professionals and Manitobans seeking specialized care.

Since 2019, a moratorium has been in place on new electrologist apprenticeships and certifications in Manitoba. I was disheartened to find out after confirming with Apprenticeship Manitoba's Operations Officer that there is currently "no confirmed timeline for reinstating certification," and that individuals trained outside the province are not legally permitted to open or operate an electrology practice currently. This in-limbo policy has effectively shuttered the profession to new entrants.

No other province in Canada has these restrictions.

I fully understand and support the need for trade-specific health and safety regulations. However, Manitoba's current policy makes it impossible for new professionals to enter the field — and in doing so, severely restricts access to this treatment for Manitobans who need it most, including those seeking gender-affirming care or managing medical conditions such as PCOS.

At a minimum, I demand to see active, urgent progress in the recognition of out-of-province electrology training and certification, so that qualified professionals have a fair and legal pathway into the profession in Manitoba.

Might we ask ourselves: if Manitoba does not currently have the resources to fulfill training requirements for this profession, then holding it effectively hostage is not a logical — or fair — strategy.

As a newcomer to this province, I am passionate about building a life here with my spouse, contributing meaningfully to my community, and improving peoples' quality of life; when we are happier and healthier, we are more active, confident participants in our neighbourhoods and workplaces. I am determined to see this important trade become accessible again — for practitioners and patients alike.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

With sincerity,

Ceilidh van Sleeuwen (she/her)
An aspiring electrologist

Letter of Support — Canadian Organization of Professional Electrologists (COPE National)

Kim Gerry, CE — Canadian Organization of Professional Electrologists

Dear Hon. Jamie Moses,

On behalf of the Canadian Organization of Professional Electrologists (COPE National), I am writing to express our interest in better understanding the current review and moratorium affecting the electrology profession in Manitoba.

COPE National is a professional association representing electrologists across Canada. Our mandate is to support safe, effective practice through education, professional standards, and ongoing competency development. COPE has been a professional voice for electrology in Canada since 1989 and was instrumental in helping develop and promote early health and safety standards for electrologists across Canada. We remain committed to supporting public safety and professional excellence within the field.

We recognize that the moratorium reflects important considerations related to public protection and regulatory oversight. At the same time, we are hearing increasing concern from both prospective practitioners and members of the public. We have had a number of individuals from Manitoba reach out expressing interest in training, as well as clients seeking electrolysis services who are experiencing difficulty accessing care.

With that in mind, we would appreciate any insight you are able to share regarding the current status and direction of this review. In particular:
● What concerns or factors led to the implementation of the moratorium?
● Are there specific gaps in training, competency standards, or oversight that have been identified?
● What evidence or frameworks would be helpful in supporting the safe reopening of training or certification pathways?

COPE National remains supportive of efforts that prioritize public safety while also ensuring reasonable access to qualified practitioners. Should it be helpful at any point, we would be open to sharing general information regarding national approaches to education, standards, and professional development within electrology.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Warm regards,

Kim Gerry, CE
COPE National
Canadian Organization of Professional Electrologists
604-316-9514
info@electrolysis.ca