Government says user guide will help businesses, industries understand changes taking effect in January
With the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act set to take effect in 2026, the federal government is looking to help Canadian employers adapt to the changes that will be brought on by the legislation.
Ottawa says it will release a user guide in December 2025 to help businesses and industries understand the changes.
The federal government is also working with provinces and territories through the Committee on Internal Trade to further eliminate barriers, including advancing mutual recognition for consumer goods and reducing administrative requirements for labour mobility applicants.
“As we move from reliance to resilience, we are building one Canadian economy – so that we can become our own best customer,” said Dominic LeBlanc, president of the King's Privy Council for Canada. “By making it easier for goods, services, and workers to move freely within Canada, we are giving Canadians greater access to Canadian-made goods and businesses more opportunities to grow. Together with provinces and territories, we are building Canada Strong.
The legislation will be in full effect by Jan. 1, 2026, after it received Royal Assent on June 26, 2025.
In August, the federal government launched public consultations as it seeks to develop regulations for the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act.
In October, Ontario introduced the Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025 that includes 11 initiatives to improve labour mobility and streamline government processes for permits and approvals.
Occupations covered by labour mobility legislation
The Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act enables a worker authorised by a province or territory to work and obtain a corresponding licence or certificate within the federal jurisdiction.
Occupations benefiting from the Act:
- Land surveyors
- Locomotive engineerss
- Train conductors (related professions)
- Yard foremen (related professions)
Occupations not covered by the Act:
- Doctors and nurses
- Construction workers
- Veterinarians
- Immigration and citizenship consultants (federally regulated0
- Any occupation regulated soley by provinces, territories and federal government
“While the Act enables the recognition of provincial or territorial authorisations, a set of conditions must be followed in order to obtain the federal authorisation to guarantee the quality of services offered to the public and ensure their safety,” according to the federal government.
For example, regulatory bodies may require proof of good standing, payment of all applicable fees, including licences and membership dues.
In some cases, passing an exam or assessment may be required before receiving federal authorisation. This is the case for locomotive engineers or those working in related professions that correspond with federal occupations. Those seeking authorisation as a locomotive engineer require successful examination and assessment results to be authorised federally, according to the federal government.
