Agreement on Internal Trade


In January 2009, Canada's premiers agreed to amend the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) to remove labour mobility barriers for certified workers so they will be able to move freely to work where opportunities exist.

Exceptions to Full Labour Mobility

The Labour Mobility chapter of the Agreement on Internal Trade allows each province or territory to approve exceptions and maintain additional certification requirements for workers in specific occupations based on:

  • public security and safety
  • public order
  • protection of human, animal or plant life or health
  • protection of the environment
  • consumer protection
  • protection of the health, safety and well-being of workers
  • provision of adequate social and health services to all its geographic regions, and
  • programs for disadvantaged groups.

Ontario has approved the following six exceptions:

  • Dental Hygienists [PDF, 15 KB] – Dental hygienists from Yukon and Nunavut who have not graduated from a nationally-accredited program must complete the national or equivalent exam
  • Drinking Water Systems Operators (Class I) [PDF, 15 KB] – Certified operators from Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon and Northwest Territories must take Ontario's two-week drinking water systems training program.
  • Lawyers [PDF, 15 KB] – Due to the different legal system in Quebec, Ontario will require lawyers from that province to take additional training and/or examinations.
  • Public Accountants [PDF, 20 KB] – Ontario will assess the qualifications of workers against Ontario's public accounting certification requirements. While applicants with a Chartered Accountant designation can be assessed by the Institute of Charter Accountants Ontario, applicants with either a Certified General Accountant or Certified Management Accountant designation cannot be assessed until the Ontario regulatory authorities for their professions are authorized to grant public accounting licences.
  • Registered Practical Nurses [PDF, 16 KB] – Due to different training and education standards among provinces, Registered Practical Nurses (licensed practical nurses) from Quebec must demonstrate that they have the necessary education and training in paediatrics and obstetrics.
  • Social Workers [PDF, 16 KB] – Due to different training and education standards, social workers certified in Alberta and Saskatchewan must have their academic qualifications assessed by the relevant regulatory authority in Ontario.

For more information about Ontario's exceptions please email: AITImplementationProject@ontario.ca.