Province looking to tear down barriers 'to create more opportunities for workers and businesses'
The Ontario government has announced new labour mobility measures aimed at breaking down interprovincial barriers for in-demand professions.
Starting January 1, 2026, certified professionals—including architects, engineers, geoscientists, land surveyors, and electricians—will be able to begin working in Ontario within 10 days of having their credentials and requirements confirmed by the relevant regulator.
This is a significant reduction from the current process, which can delay employment for several months.
New rules for regulatory authorities, certifications
The new “As of Right” rules will apply to more than 50 regulatory authorities and 300 certifications, streamlining the hiring process for employers and providing increased opportunities for workers, according to the Ontario government.
Ontario has signed 10 agreements with other provinces and territories to facilitate the free movement of goods and workers. These agreements include reciprocal measures, making it easier for Ontario workers to move to other parts of Canada and for workers from other jurisdictions to work in Ontario.
“Our government is leading Canada in our efforts to protect workers by helping them find better jobs and building a more resilient, competitive and united Canadian economy,” says David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “With these historic measures, we’re tearing down barriers to create more opportunities for workers and businesses, building a stronger province and country.”
Previously, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) called on governments to address the labour quality and mobility issues that small businesses are currently experiencing. Among small businesses that have hired or employed workers in different jurisdictions, 49 per cent report facing challenges, the group previously reported.
'Eliminating costly delays for certified professions'
Vic Fedeli, minister of economic development, job creation and trade, refers to the “As of Right” rules as a key milestone in advancing the government’s efforts to break down interprovincial trade barriers.
“By cutting red tape and eliminating costly delays for certified professionals, our government is unlocking new markets and opportunities for workers and businesses, strengthening our domestic and national economy, and ensuring Ontario remains a resilient and competitive jurisdiction for investment and growth,” he says.
The government says these changes will boost productivity and help deliver nation-building projects across critical sectors, while maintaining Ontario’s gold standard for worker safety and qualifications. The initiative was first introduced through the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act, 2025, and is part of Ontario’s ongoing plan to enhance free trade within Canada and modernise the labour market.
Roughly 3,000 labour mobility applications were processed in 2023 across 14 regulated professions and 23 compulsory trades governed under the Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act, 2006.
Approximately 20 per cent of occupations are regulated in Canada. These “As of Right” rules are applicable to more than 50 Ontario regulatory authorities under the Ontario Labour Mobility Act, 2009.
'As of Right' rules welcomed by stakeholders
Several stakeholders welcomed the latest move by the Ontario government.
“We support the government’s bold objectives to 'As of Right' rules and believe that allowing professional geoscientists to practise more freely across the country will strengthen our profession while ensuring continued robust protection of public safety and unlock economic prosperity in the mining, urban development, infrastructure, natural environment and all other sectors where professional geoscientists play a critical role,” says Robert Hearst, president, Professional Geoscientists of Ontario.
"The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) applauds the Ontario government’s action to ensure rapid and seamless interprovincial mobility for certified/licensed professionals,” says Christopher van Dop, C.E.T., president, Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT).
“Removing internal barriers for skilled workers is critical to ensuring that we can all contribute to achieving Ontario’s critical infrastructure and economic development objectives."
In June, the federal government introduced legislation to eliminate barriers to labour mobility and internal trade. The legislation—titled One Canadian Economy: An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act—will provide a framework to recognise provincial and territorial licences and certifications for workers.
