Ontario’s First Female Licensed Plumber Celebrates 50 Years in the Trade

Deborah Johnston, the first woman in Ontario to be certified as a licensed plumber, is celebrating 50 years in the trade this month. Johnston began her career in plumbing in 1973 and has since become a trailblazer for women in the industry.

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Her journey has inspired many other women to pursue careers in trades traditionally dominated by men.According to a recent report by Build Force Canada, Ontario is projected to lose 18% of its 2022 construction workforce in the next decade, requiring the recruitment of 119,000 new workers during that time. 

Johnston’s story highlights the importance of encouraging more women to enter the trades to help address this labor shortage.

Johnston’s accomplishments serve as a reminder that there is “nothing girls can’t do” and that women can excel in any field they choose to pursue.