With the recent Royal Assent of Bill 2, Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, 2025, a streamlined “as of right” certification process will take effect on January 1, 2026. Under this framework, certified professionals from other Canadian provinces and territories will be able to begin working in Ontario within 10 business days of their credentials being reviewed. This change is expected to significantly reduce the time and administrative hurdles that previously delayed registration, making it faster for qualified professionals to join Ontario’s workforce.  

While this announcement highlights non-health professions, SAC is closely monitoring developments for regulated health professions, including S–LPs and audiologists. Currently, registration for health professionals trained in other jurisdictions can take several months. Any future labour mobility initiatives are expected to streamline entry, support workforce flexibility, and improve access to essential services.  

SAC supports measures that improve labour mobility and address health human resource shortages, particularly in underserved communities. Greater mobility will also help support timely access to essential speech, language, and hearing health services.  

We have previously submitted recommendations to the Ontario Ministry of Health as part of its consultation on Reducing Barriers to Practice and Enhancing Labour Mobility for Regulated Health Professionals Registered in other Jurisdictions. We also provided feedback to the federal government on proposed legislation to address interprovincial trade of goods and services, with specific input on health workforce implications.   

SAC will continue to monitor developments and keep members informed as policies and regulations are introduced to support the implementation of health professionals in this framework.