Ontario is set to significantly reduce licensing barriers for out-of-province healthcare professionals as part of its ongoing efforts to address workforce shortages and improve access to care. Maple News reports that the province has proposed expanding its ‘As of Right’ framework to include 16 additional healthcare occupations, paving the way for faster approval of work authorization for qualified practitioners from other provinces.
The new additions include dentists, psychologists, dietitians, and physiotherapists, among others. Once implemented, these professionals could be licensed to work in Ontario in as little as 10 business days, a dramatic improvement from the current process, which can take up to six months.
The announcement was made by Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, David Piccini, who emphasized the economic and social benefits of the changes. “By making it easier for workers from the rest of the country to get on the job faster, our government is driving economic growth and protecting our workers and communities,” he stated.
The revised regulations are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. In addition, Ontario plans to allow physicians and nurses to receive certification within just two business days, reinforcing its commitment to streamlining healthcare staffing.
The ‘As of Right’ framework, initially focused on high-demand sectors, aims to remove interprovincial licensing barriers across over 50 regulatory bodies and more than 300 regulated professions. This broader initiative is a part of Ontario’s workforce strategy to attract and retain skilled professionals without redundant bureaucratic hurdles.
By standardizing requirements and recognizing equivalent credentials from other provinces, Ontario is aligning with national goals for labour mobility. The move not only supports health system resilience but also enhances job opportunities for trained professionals across Canada.
The 16 new health professions set to join the As of Right list include audiologists, dental hygienists, pharmacists, midwives, and optometrists, among others. Each of these roles falls under specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, streamlining credential validation and processing.
As the implementation date draws near, healthcare professionals certified in other provinces are encouraged to prepare documentation to facilitate their transition into Ontario’s workforce more efficiently.