Ontario Protecting Workers by Introducing First-in-Canada Labour Mobility Changes
September 12, 2025
Province celebrating Labour Day and breaking down interprovincial barriers for workers
This Labour Day, the Ontario government supported Ontario and Canadian workers by breaking down interprovincial barriers for in-demand professions such as architects, engineers, geoscientists, land surveyors, electricians and more. This historic change is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario and Canadian workers and build a unified Canadian workforce that can stand up to U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty.
“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,” said 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.”
As of September 1, 2025, the government has filed regulations that will support the removal of interprovincial barriers for Canadian workers coming to Ontario. Starting January 1, 2026, Canadians in certified professions can begin working in Ontario within 10 days, once credentials and requirements are confirmed by the regulator. This is a sharp contrast to the current process, which can force workers to wait anywhere from several months to half a year before being registered and able to start a job. The historic implementation of “As of Right” rules will apply across professions covered by more than 50 regulatory authorities and 300 certifications, helping employers fill critical gaps faster, protecting workers and supporting a stronger, more united Canadian economy.
Ontario has signed 10 agreements to date with provinces and territories across Canada to break down barriers to the free movements of goods and workers within the country. These agreements include reciprocal measures that will make it easier for Ontario workers to move to and work in other parts of the country, as well as for workers from those provinces and territories to work in Ontario.
“The implementation of ‘As of Right’ rules marks a key milestone in advancing the historic actions taken by our government to break down interprovincial trade barriers and enable workers to move and practice freely from coast to coast,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “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.”
These changes will boost productivity and help provide the workforce necessary to deliver nation-building projects across critical sectors, all while maintaining Ontario’s gold standard for worker safety and qualifications. First introduced through the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act, 2025, this milestone supports Ontario’s plan to boost free trade within Canada and reflects the province’s leadership in creating a more agile, responsive labour market.
Quick Facts
- Approximately 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.
- The government is working with other provinces and territories to harmonize occupational health and safety training standards to help streamline pathways to work inter-provincially.
Quotes
“By cutting red tape and breaking down barriers between the provinces and territories, our government continues to protect Ontario from the economic uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs. This historic change to labour mobility will not only make it faster and easier for workers across Canada to come and begin working in our province, but it will also help us secure more of the valuable home-grown talent that our country needs to deliver on the nation-building projects that will make us the most competitive economy in the G7.”
– Peter Bethlenfalvy
Minister of Finance
“The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) applauds the Ontario government’s action to ensure rapid and seamless inter-provincial mobility for certified/licensed professionals. Our organization is proud to be a leader in supporting this approach, having built and maintained reciprocal agreements with our provincial counterparts for many years. 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.”
– Christopher van Dop
C.E.T. President, Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT)
“The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors (AOLS) has been collaborating with the Ontario government to support the ability of professional land surveyors from across Canada to practice in Ontario under Bill 2 and the ‘As of Right’ framework. Land surveying is a critical profession that supports housing, infrastructure and community development and through our partnership with Minister Piccini, we remain committed to our core mandate of protecting the public interest and maintaining trust in the profession.”
– Al Jeraj
Executive Director, Association of Ontario Land Surveyors (A.O.L.S)
“As the body tasked with regulating the practice of engineering and governing the engineering profession, Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) is pleased to work with the government to enhance labour mobility outcomes for qualified engineers from across our country. We know that these efforts will help to build Canada, including much needed projects and endeavours here in Ontario. We are grateful for the leadership of Premier Doug Ford and his government, as they seek to make the best possible use of the engineering skills that are available to grow our economy.”
– Jennifer Quaglietta, CEO/registrar and Greg Wowchuk, Chair of Council
Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO)
“PGO has long been a nation-leading voice for increasing labour mobility for professional geoscientists across Canada. We support the government’s bold objectives to ‘As of Right’ rules and believe that allowing professional geoscientists to practice 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.”
– Robert Hearst
P.Geo., FGC, President, Professional Geoscientists of Ontario
“The Law Society of Ontario has long supported interprovincial mobility for lawyers to enhance client service and professional development. This legislation has the potential to bring similar benefits to other professions and their clients.”
– Priya Bhatia
Acting Chief Executive Officer, Law Society of Ontario
“ATIO welcomes the Ontario government’s leadership in advancing labour mobility through the new ‘As of Right’ legislation. By streamlining recognition of translators and interpreters already certified in other provinces, this legislation will help professionals secure employment more quickly and efficiently while ensuring Ontarians continue to receive high-quality, reliable language services. This is a meaningful step toward strengthening both professional standards and access to essential services across the province.”
– Adam K. Dickinson
President, Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO)
Related Story
Government of Canada Introduces Legislation to Build One Canadian Economy
On June 6, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy, introduced new legislation to build a stronger, more competitive, and more resilient Canadian economy.
One Canadian Economy: An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act, will remove federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility, and advance nation-building projects crucial for driving Canadian productivity growth, energy security, and economic competitiveness.
