A first offense of working without a required license under the Skilled Trades Regulation Act is classified as what?

The classification of a first offense for working without a required license under the Skilled Trades Regulation Act is indeed a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. This reflects the intention of the law to provide a penalty that discourages unlicensed work while recognizing that it is a first offense. The regulations aim to uphold standards in skilled trades without imposing overly harsh penalties that could have a severe impact on individuals who may inadvertently be in violation of the licensing requirement. By setting the fine limit at $500, the legislation strikes a balance between enforcement and reasonable punishment for first-time offenses, allowing for the possibility of rectification and compliance in the future.