Ontario will allow professionals certified in other provinces to begin working within 10 business days starting Jan. 1, 2026, once a regulator confirms their credentials.
The expanded “As of Right” rules will apply across more than 50 regulatory authorities covering 300 certifications, including doctors, architects, engineers, land surveyors, electricians and 16 additional health regulated professionals. These workers can practice in Ontario for up to six months while completing registration with their regulatory body.
Mutual recognition framework published
The changes are part of Ontario’s broader effort to reduce internal trade barriers. The province has published a draft regulation to implement mutual recognition of goods and services from other Canadian provinces and territories that take similar steps.
The regulation under the Ontario Free Trade and Mobility Act would allow goods approved for sale in reciprocating jurisdictions to be sold in Ontario without additional testing, approvals or fees. Businesses authorized to provide services in those jurisdictions would receive equivalent authorization in Ontario.
Economic impact of trade barriers
Internal trade barriers cost the Canadian economy up to $200 billion annually and raise prices for families and businesses by up to 14.5 per cent, according to the province. Removing these barriers could boost Ontario’s GDP by up to $23 billion per year.
The draft regulation is posted on the Ontario Regulatory Registry for a 45-day public consultation period. The initiative builds on the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, which the legislature passed in June 2025.
Reciprocity required
The mutual recognition framework requires reciprocity from other jurisdictions. Ontario laws governing how goods are sold or used will continue to apply, and the regulation clarifies that mutual recognition rules will prevail when conflicts arise with other Ontario laws.
Ontario has signed economic cooperation agreements with 10 provinces and territories since April 2025 to strengthen interprovincial trade and reduce regulatory barriers. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business awarded the province an overall grade of A in its 2025 Interprovincial Cooperation Report Card.
