'As of Right' rules take effect in 2026 allowing certified professionals to work within 10 days
Ontario is launching a transformative policy that removes interprovincial barriers for skilled professionals. The new “As of Right” rules, effective January 1, 2026, will allow certified workers from across Canada to begin employment in Ontario within 10 days of credential confirmation, a dramatic reduction from the previous months-long wait. The changes apply to over 50 regulatory authorities and 300 certifications, including architects, engineers, geoscientists, land surveyors, electricians, and more.
Fast-tracking skilled workers across Canada
Premier Doug Ford frames the reform as a strategic response to economic challenges and a boost for domestic talent. “By cutting red tape and breaking down barriers between the provinces and territories, our government continues to protect Ontario from the economic uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs,” Ford says. “This historic change to labour mobility will not only make it faster and easier for workers across Canada to come and begin working in our province, but it will also help us secure more of the valuable home-grown talent that our country needs to deliver on the nation-building projects that will make us the most competitive economy in the G7.”
David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, highlights the policy’s impact on opportunity and economic unity. “Our government is leading Canada in our efforts to protect workers by helping them find better jobs and building a more resilient, competitive and united Canadian economy,” Piccini says. “With these historic measures, we’re tearing down barriers to create more opportunities for workers and businesses, building a stronger province and country.”
Industry leaders applaud move
Industry leaders echo this support. Christopher van Dop, president of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT), notes, “Our organization is proud to be a leader in supporting this approach, having built and maintained reciprocal agreements with our provincial counterparts for many years. Removing internal barriers for skilled workers is critical to ensuring that we can all contribute to achieving Ontario’s critical infrastructure and economic development objectives.”
Jennifer Quaglietta, CEO of Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), emphasizes the national benefits. “As the body tasked with regulating the practice of engineering and governing the engineering profession, we are pleased to work with the government to enhance labour mobility outcomes for qualified engineers from across our country,” she says. “We know that these efforts will help to build Canada, including much needed projects and endeavours here in Ontario. We are grateful for the leadership of Premier Ford to make the best possible use of the engineering skills that are available to grow our economy.”
New era for labour mobility
Ontario’s government has already signed 10 agreements with other provinces and territories to support the free movement of workers and goods. The province is also collaborating to harmonize occupational health and safety training standards, further streamlining interprovincial employment. Introduced through the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act, 2025, the “As of Right” rules position Ontario as a leader in workforce innovation and economic resilience. As the province opens its doors to skilled workers from coast to coast, it signals a readiness to build, compete, and thrive in a rapidly changing national landscape.
