Toronto – Ontario has introduced sweeping labour mobility reforms that will allow thousands of certified professionals from across Canada to begin working in the province within days, a move the government says will strengthen the economy, protect workers, and help counter external trade pressures.
The changes, unveiled on Labour Day, make Ontario the first jurisdiction in Canada to formally implement “As of Right” rules across a wide range of regulated professions and trades. Beginning January 1, 2026, qualified workers certified elsewhere in Canada—ranging from architects and engineers to electricians, land surveyors, and translators—will be able to start working in Ontario within 10 days of confirmation by the relevant regulator.
Currently, the process can take several months, sometimes up to half a year, before workers are registered and permitted to work in their fields.
“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.”
A National Push for Labour Mobility
The reforms cover more than 50 regulatory authorities and 300 certifications. Ontario has already signed 10 agreements with other provinces and territories to reduce barriers for both goods and workers. These reciprocal arrangements mean that Ontario professionals will also face fewer obstacles when seeking employment in other parts of Canada.
Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, said the initiative will play a crucial role in expanding opportunities for both workers and employers.
“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,” Fedeli said. “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.”
Protecting Against External Pressures
Ontario officials emphasized the economic significance of the reforms, pointing to the need for a unified Canadian workforce capable of withstanding global challenges such as U.S. tariffs.
“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,” said Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. “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.”
Industry Support
The reforms have been welcomed by professional associations across Ontario, many of which have long advocated for greater labour mobility.
“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,” said Christopher van Dop, president of 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.”
Professional Engineers Ontario echoed the sentiment, with CEO Jennifer Quaglietta noting that increased mobility would help deliver on large-scale projects: “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 Ford [to] make the best possible use of the engineering skills that are available to grow our economy.”
The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors (AOLS) also emphasized the role of mobility in meeting housing and infrastructure needs. “Land surveying is a critical profession that supports housing, infrastructure and community development,” said Al Jeraj, executive director of AOLS.
Other groups, including Professional Geoscientists Ontario, the Law Society of Ontario, and the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO), highlighted the broader benefits across multiple sectors, from mining and urban development to legal services and language access.
Broader Context
The reforms build on the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act, 2025, a legislative effort aimed at reducing internal trade barriers and boosting free movement of goods and workers. According to government figures, about 20 per cent of occupations in Canada are regulated, and Ontario processed approximately 3,000 labour mobility applications in 2023 across 14 professions and 23 trades.
Officials say the streamlined process will not compromise Ontario’s standards for worker safety or qualifications. Instead, they argue, it will increase productivity, accelerate delivery of major projects, and help address critical labour shortages.
As Ontario celebrates Labour Day, the announcement underscores the province’s message: by making it easier for workers to move across borders, the government hopes to build a stronger, more competitive economy at home.
