Special to Ontario Construction News
The Ontario government has announced labour mobility changes that slash the amount of time it takes for in-demand professionals from across Canada to be eligible to work in the province.
Starting next January, a worker in a regulated, non-health occupation who is certified by an out-of-province regulatory authority can apply through a streamlined process to begin working in Ontario.
This will allow certified professionals–including architects, engineers, geoscientists, land surveyors, and electricians–to work for a one-time, six-month period while the regulatory authority makes a full certification decision.
Workers will need to submit their registration documents to the Ontario regulatory authority and meet any other regulatory requirements. Within 10 business days, they will receive confirmation that they are deemed to be certified in Ontario and can begin working.
The current process can force workers to wait several months before being registered and able to start a job, the labour ministry said in a statement. It said the new rules will apply across professions covered by more than 50 regulatory authorities and 300 certifications.
Ontario has signed 10 agreements with provinces and territories that include reciprocal measures to make it easier for Ontario workers to work in other parts of the country, as well as for workers from those provinces and territories to work in Ontario.
“The implementation of as of right rules marks a key milestone … to break down interprovincial trade barriers and enable workers to move and practice freely from coast to coast,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
“By cutting red tape and eliminating costly delays for certified professionals, our government is unlocking new markets and opportunities for workers and businesses, strengthening our domestic and national economy, and ensuring Ontario remains a resilient and competitive jurisdiction for investment and growth.”
The government also said it is working with other provinces and territories to harmonize occupational health and safety training standards.