This Labour Day, the Ontario government says it is supporting Ontario and Canadian workers by breaking down interprovincial barriers for in-demand professions such as architects, engineers, geoscientists, land surveyors, electricians, and more. It states that this historic change is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario and Canadian workers, and to build a unified Canadian workforce that can stand up to U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty.
“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,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “With these historic measures, we’re tearing down barriers to create more opportunities for workers and businesses, building a stronger province and country.”
As of today, the government has filed regulations that will support the removal of interprovincial barriers for Canadian workers coming to Ontario. Starting January 1, 2026, Canadians in certified professions can begin working in Ontario within 10 days, once credentials and requirements are confirmed by the regulator. This is a sharp contrast to the current process, which can force workers to wait anywhere from several months to half a year before being registered and able to start a job. The historic implementation of “As of Right” rules will apply across professions covered by more than 50 regulatory authorities and 300 certifications, helping employers fill critical gaps faster, protecting workers and supporting a stronger, more united Canadian economy.
Ontario has signed 10 agreements to date with provinces and territories across Canada to break down barriers to the free movements of goods and workers within the country. These agreements include reciprocal measures that will make it easier for Ontario workers to move to and 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 in advancing the historic actions taken by our government 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.”
These changes will boost productivity and help provide the workforce necessary to deliver nation-building projects across critical sectors, all while maintaining Ontario’s gold standard for worker safety and qualifications. First introduced through the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act, 2025, this milestone supports Ontario’s plan to boost free trade within Canada and reflects the province’s leadership in creating a more agile, responsive labour market.
From the government of Ontario
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Onward and upward. So much good legislation coming ! Excellent help for the trades !
The Red Seal Program, formally known as the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program, is a program that sets common standards to assess the skills of tradespeople across Canada. Industry is heavily involved in developing the national standard for each trade. It is a partnership between the federal government and provinces and territories, which are responsible for apprenticeship training and trade certification in their jurisdictions.
Tradespersons who have successfully passed the Red Seal examination receive a Red Seal endorsement on their provincial/territorial trade certificate. The Red Seal, when affixed to a provincial or territorial trade certificate, indicates that a tradesperson has demonstrated the knowledge required for the national standard in that trade. The Red Seal endorsement promotes excellence to employers, instills pride in skilled workers, and facilitates labour mobility. Certification and Red Seal endorsement of a tradesperson can be confirmed with the provincial or territorial apprenticeship authority that issued the Red Seal.
The Red Seal Program was created following the first National Conference on Apprenticeship in Trades and Industries, which was held in Ottawa in 1952. Participants recommended that the provinces and territories ask the federal government to work with their apprenticeship committees and officials to prepare standards for the skilled trades.
Who Administers the Program?
Provinces and territories are responsible for apprenticeship training and trade certification in their respective jurisdictions, including the administration of the Red Seal Program in their jurisdictions (for example, Red Seal examinations). Most provinces and territories use the Red Seal examination as the final certification exam in designated Red Seal trades. The Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) is responsible for the Red Seal Program. All provinces and territories and the federal government participate as members of the CCDACanadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship.
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) sponsors a Secretariat to provide strategic and secretariat support to the CCDACanadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship and the Red Seal program.
Here is a list of current Red Seal trades.
https://www.red-seal.ca/eng/about/program.shtml