Starting in 2026, Canadians in certified professions, such as engineers and architects, can begin working in Ontario within 10 days, once credentials and requirements are confirmed by the appropriate regulator, the province announced on Labour Day.
Previously, workers could be forced to wait anywhere from several months to half a year before being registered and able to start a licensed profession.
The 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, according to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Approximately 20% of occupations are regulated in Canada.
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“As the body tasked with regulating the practice of engineering and governing the engineering profession, we are pleased to work with the government to enhance labour mobility outcomes for qualified engineers from across our country,” announced Professional Engineers of Ontario CEO Jennifer Quaglietta in a statement. “We know that these efforts will help to build Canada, including much needed projects and endeavours here in Ontario.”
Robert Hearst, president of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario, noted that the organization has “long been a nation-leading voice” for increasing labour mobility for professional geoscientists across Canada. He announced in a statement that the changes 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.”
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.
“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,” announced David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, in a statement.
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, according to ministry data.
