Ontario to remove interprovincial barriers for regulated professions

New Labor Mobility Rules Announced in Ontario
The Ontario government recently announced new labor mobility rules that will make it easier for employees to start working in the province. This change, known as the “axis of right” framework, will allow certified professionals to work in Ontario in just 10 days, significantly reducing the current timeline of up to six months for authorization.
Key Changes Under the “Axis of Right” Framework
Starting from January 1, 2026, professionals from other provinces and territories in Canada can benefit from these new rules for labor mobility. The new legislation aims to shorten the timeline for individuals with certifications outside the province to work in Ontario within 10 working days, once their credentials are validated by the regulatory authority.
Additionally, individuals with confirmed references can start working for up to six months while completing the registration process with the regulatory authority in Ontario.
The “axis of right” regulations will apply to more than 50 regulatory authorities and 300 certifications, including professions such as architects, engineers, and electricians.
How to Benefit from the New Changes
Individuals certified to work in another province or territory in Canada can follow specific steps to obtain a permit to work in non-health professions in Ontario. This includes identifying the regulatory authority overseeing their profession in Ontario and submitting an application for labor mobility.
After submitting the application and required documentation, a certification decision will be made by the regulatory authority within 30 calendar days.
Health Workers Eligible Under the New Regulations
Specific health care professions fall under the new labor mobility legislation. These include doctors, surgeons, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and medical laboratory technologists from other Canadian provinces and American states.
Other regulated health care professions are not covered by the new regulations, and health workers from outside Ontario can start working in the province immediately under certain conditions.
Interprovincial Mobility and Regulatory Authorities
The Ontario government has signed agreements with other provinces and territories in Canada to facilitate interprovincial mobility for certified professionals. Most regulated professions in Canada have similar standards, making it easier for individuals to work in different jurisdictions.
The new rules will apply to professions regulated by the 59 regulatory authorities under the Ontario Labor Mobility Act, 2009.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
Foreign nationals can obtain Canadian permanent residency through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), which offers various immigration streams requiring a job offer or eligible work experience. The OINP uses an Expression of Interest system to manage applications for these streams.
Professions under certain OINP streams will likely be eligible under the new labor mobility rules, providing more opportunities for foreign nationals to live and work in Ontario.