Ontario is marking Labour Day by introducing what it calls a first-in-Canada change to boost labour mobility, aimed at helping certified professionals such as engineers, electricians, geoscientists and architects find work in the province more quickly.
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Canadians in regulated professions will be able to begin working in Ontario within 10 days of having their credentials confirmed by a regulator. The change replaces a process that currently forces workers to wait months before being registered and eligible to work.
“This is about protecting workers, building opportunities and strengthening our economy,” said Labour Minister David Piccini. “By tearing down barriers, we’re helping workers and businesses while building a stronger province and country.”
The changes are part of new “As of Right” rules that will apply across more than 50 regulatory authorities and 300 certifications. Ontario officials say the move will make it easier for employers to fill jobs, while supporting major infrastructure and development projects that require skilled workers.
The government has signed 10 agreements with other provinces and territories to reduce restrictions on the movement of workers and goods across Canada. Those deals include reciprocal measures that will allow Ontario workers to take jobs more easily in other parts of the country.
Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli said the measures will cut red tape and reduce costly delays, strengthening Ontario’s competitiveness. “By eliminating barriers, we’re unlocking new markets and opportunities for workers and businesses,” he said.
The province has framed the move as a way to safeguard Ontario against U.S. tariffs and other economic pressures while maintaining worker safety standards. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said the measures will help the province “secure more of the valuable home-grown talent” needed for major national projects.
Professional bodies including Professional Engineers Ontario, the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors and the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists welcomed the move, saying it would help maintain high standards while improving access to jobs and supporting critical infrastructure needs.
The changes were introduced through the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act earlier this year and build on the Ontario Labour Mobility Act, 2009. According to the province, about 3,000 labour mobility applications were processed in 2023 across 14 regulated professions and 23 trades.
