What is Labour Mobility?

“Labour Mobility” refers to the ability of certified workers to practice their regulated occupation, throughout Canada, wherever opportunities to work in that occupation exist. Labour Mobility provisions of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement state that certified workers have to be recognized as qualified to work by a regulatory body in another province or territory which regulates that occupation, without having to go through significant additional training, work experience, examination or assessment, unless an exception has been posted.

The Canadian Free Trade Agreement

The Canadian Free Trade Agreement was designed to facilitate the free movement of people, goods, services and investment within Canada to establish an open, efficient and stable domestic market.

It benefits Canadians and businesses by:

  • improving internal trade, and
  • making it easier for certified workers, such as trades people and professionals, to practice their regulated occupation in other provinces or territories.

Why is it important?

Strengthening Labour Mobility helps meet changing labour market demands and supports the right of individuals to live and work where they want in Canada.

Ensuring that the qualifications of certified workers are recognized when they move to another province or territory benefits both workers and employers alike. Workers have a wider range of employment opportunities and employers have a broader selection of candidates.