Supporting workers, unlocking free trade within Canada

As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario and strengthen its economic resilience, the province is introducing historic labour mobility and free-trade regulations on January 1 that aim to break down interprovincial barriers, support employers, and help workers move more easily across Canada.

These changes are designed to build a unified national workforce to help deal with U.S. tariffs and global market uncertainty.

Beginning January 1, 2026, new “As of Right” labour mobility rules will allow certified professionals such as architects, engineers, geoscientists, land surveyors and electricians from other parts of Canada to begin working in Ontario within 10 business days after the appropriate regulator confirms their credentials. The reforms will apply across more than 50 regulatory authorities and 300 certifications, helping employers fill critical roles more quickly and improving Ontario’s economic competitiveness.

“By streamlining the process for certified professionals from other Canadian jurisdictions to work in Ontario, we’re opening doors for talent and driving economic growth,” said Labour Minister David Piccini. “These changes create new opportunities for workers and businesses, strengthen our province’s competitiveness and use a Canada-first approach to take on global economic uncertainty.”

The province is also expanding labour mobility in the health-care sector. “As of Right” rules will be extended to 16 additional regulated health professions, with further steps toward automatic recognition for physicians and nurses registered and in good standing in other provinces and territories. The goal is to make it faster for qualified professionals to continue their practice in Ontario while maintaining regulatory oversight.

“Our government is cutting red tape so physicians, nurses, and other regulated health professionals from across Canada can start working in Ontario sooner,” said Health Minister Sylvia Jones. “By strengthening labour mobility, we’re making it easier for qualified professionals to practise here and helping people get the right care, in the right place, where and when they need it.”

Ontario’s labour mobility push is part of a broader effort to unlock free trade within Canada. Since April 2025, the province has signed economic cooperation memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with 10 provinces and territories to reduce regulatory barriers and improve economic resilience. A draft regulation under the Ontario Free Trade and Mobility Act, 2025, proposes mutual recognition of goods and services from reciprocating jurisdictions, reducing duplication and accelerating market access for businesses.

“In the face of uncertainty, our government has taken unprecedented action to break down internal trade barriers and address the burdensome regulations that have restricted our domestic and national economies,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By advancing the mutual recognition of goods and services and making it easier for workers to expand their trades into other provinces and territories, we are laying the foundation for a secure, competitive and prosperous future.”

Ontario’s initiatives aim to create new opportunities for workers and businesses, strengthen interprovincial partnerships, and support economic growth through reduced barriers and streamlined pathways to employment and trade.