Continuing to Protect Workers and Unlock Free Trade Within Canada in 2026

January 14, 2026

As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario and strengthen its economic resilience, the province is bringing into force historic labour mobility and free-trade regulations that break down interprovincial barriers for workers and businesses, and help employers access the skilled Canadian workers they need sooner.

Starting January 1, 2026, certified professionals from other provinces and territories will be able to begin working in Ontario within 10 business days once their credentials are confirmed by the regulator.

These first-in-Canada “As of Right” measures apply across 50+ regulatory authorities and more than 300 certifications, ensuring employers can fill critical roles sooner while maintaining Ontario’s gold standard for safety and qualifications.

Ontario is also expanding “As of Right” to an additional 16 regulated health professions while advancing automatic recognition for physicians and nurses — strengthening our health-care workforce.

Building on Ontario’s national leadership in supporting free trade and labour mobility, the province recently introduced a draft mutual recognition regulation that will play a pivotal role in unlocking new market opportunities for Canadian goods and services.

To date, Ontario has signed economic cooperation MOUs with 10 provinces and territories to strengthen interprovincial trade, enhance economic resilience and reduce costly regulatory barriers.

Together, these changes will boost productivity, reduce red tape, and support the workforce needed to deliver nation-building projects — from hospitals and homes to roads, transit, and major energy developments.

With these historic measures, Ontario is building a more resilient, mobile, and competitive workforce, supporting opportunity for workers and helping keep our province strong in the face of economic uncertainty.