Ontario is moving to deepen internal free trade by advancing a regulatory framework that would allow goods and services approved in other Canadian jurisdictions to be sold and delivered in the province without additional regulatory hurdles, a step the government says could reduce costs and strengthen economic resilience amid global uncertainty.
The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade confirmed Monday that it has published a draft regulation under the Ontario Free Trade and Mobility Act, 2025 (OFTMA), enabling mutual recognition of goods and services from other provinces and territories that adopt reciprocal measures. The proposal is intended to dismantle long-standing interprovincial trade barriers that collectively cost the Canadian economy as much as $200 billion annually.
“For decades, red tape and burdensome regulations have held Ontario’s economy back, increasing the cost of goods and services for manufacturers and families alike and limiting the ease with which Ontario-made products could be traded with our provincial and territorial partners,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Mutual recognition will play a pivotal role in unlocking new market opportunities for Ontario goods and services, and further advance Ontario’s leadership in strengthening trade security and diversification.”
The initiative builds on legislation passed in June 2025 through the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, which established the legal foundation for recognizing regulatory approvals across provincial borders. Under the proposed regulation, goods approved for sale or use in a reciprocating jurisdiction would be deemed compliant with Ontario standards, eliminating the need for duplicative testing, approvals or fees. Service providers authorized in other participating jurisdictions would similarly be entitled to equivalent authorization in Ontario.
The regulation would also clarify that mutual recognition provisions under OFTMA take precedence where conflicts arise with other Ontario statutes, while maintaining provincial rules governing how goods are sold or used within the province. The government has opened a 45-day consultation period on the Ontario Regulatory Registry, inviting feedback from industry stakeholders, regulators and the public.
Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, said the framework is designed to deliver faster market access while preserving safety and consumer protections.
“By implementing mutual recognition under the Ontario Free Trade and Mobility Act, we’re moving at speed and encouraging a pan-Canadian pivot to mutual recognition which will unlock new domestic markets for Ontario businesses,” Crawford said. “This means less paperwork and lower costs, faster approvals and market entry, and more customers across Canada for Ontario-made products and services. Our Team Canada approach accelerates growth and jobs while keeping clear rules in place for safety and for how goods are sold and used.”
Alongside goods and services reform, Ontario is continuing to expand labour mobility initiatives that allow professionals from other provinces to work in the province more quickly. The government has positioned itself as a national leader in this area, introducing “As of Right” rules that permit qualified professionals to practise in Ontario for up to six months while completing registration with provincial regulators.
The approach applies to a wide range of in-demand occupations, including doctors, architects, engineers, electricians and land surveyors, with particular emphasis on strengthening the health-care workforce. According to the province, expanded mobility rules will support hospitals, long-term care homes and community-based care providers by improving access to skilled professionals.
“Our government is removing unnecessary barriers so physicians, nurses and other regulated health professionals from other provinces can start working in Ontario faster. By modernizing and accelerating labour mobility, we’re making it easier for qualified professionals to practise here and help ensure Ontarians receive timely, high-quality care, when and where they need it,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
Beginning January 1, 2026, Canadians in certified professions will be eligible to begin working in Ontario within 10 business days once credentials are confirmed. The “As of Right” framework will apply across more than 50 regulatory authorities and 300 certifications, including 16 additional regulated health professions.
The mutual recognition regulation also aligns with commitments made in November at the Committee on Internal Trade, where federal, provincial and territorial governments signed the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement on Goods under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. Ontario has pledged to continue advancing bilateral and multilateral arrangements while working toward full national implementation.
As Canada’s largest interprovincial trader, Ontario says reducing internal barriers is essential to insulating businesses from global volatility and supporting domestic growth.
“We’re making it easier for Canadians to move, work and earn a paycheque anywhere in this country, while strengthening Ontario’s economy and competitiveness,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “This is about unlocking opportunity and building a more resilient, unified Canada that can deliver the nation-building projects we need to protect against U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty.”
