Ontario will automatically recognize credentials for doctors and nurses licensed in other Canadian provinces under legislation introduced Monday, part of a broader push to reduce regulatory barriers and speed up approvals for businesses and workers.
The Building a More Competitive Economy Act expands labour mobility provisions across the province, allowing healthcare professionals from other provinces and territories to practice in Ontario without additional credentialing requirements. The government says the changes will help fill critical labour gaps and reduce bureaucratic delays.
“Our government is making health care more accessible to all Ontarians by cutting red tape and reducing bureaucratic delays, enabling more health care professionals to start working in the province sooner,” said Sylvia Jones, deputy premier and minister of health.
Labour mobility changes
The legislation extends “as of right” provisions to Canadian workers licensed and credentialed in other provinces and territories, with particular emphasis on healthcare workers. Under these provisions, professionals can begin working in Ontario based on their existing credentials from other jurisdictions.
David Piccini, minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development, said the changes will help businesses fill positions faster. “By advancing labour mobility and making it easier for skilled workers to get to work, we’re helping businesses grow, filling critical labour gaps, and building a more resilient, self-sustaining economy that works for everyone,” he said.
Regulatory streamlining
The act includes plans to review all Ontario government economic development-focused permits by 2028, with a goal of eliminating or transforming 35 per cent or more. The government says it will maintain health, safety and environmental protections while reducing approval times.
A proposed centralized digital permitting system would consolidate how businesses apply for and track permits. The system aims to reduce approval times and increase transparency for business investments.
Other measures
The legislation also includes updates to forest management and municipal drinking water approval processes. The government plans consultations on a vehicle purchasing policy that would prioritize Ontario-made vehicles for government, public sector and municipal fleets.
Andrea Khanjin, minister of red tape reduction, said the changes respond to economic pressures. “We’re cutting red tape to make government work better for people and smarter for business, so there’s faster service with less paperwork,” she said.
The act includes 11 initiatives focused on labour mobility, permit streamlining and business competitiveness. It also proposes ending the use of municipal speed cameras and replacing them with traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps and roundabouts.
