Labour Mobility in Canada: As of Right, from Policy to Practice

Recent legislative changes in Canada, particularly Ontario, are enhancing labour mobility by enabling certified professionals to work in Ontario while the regulatory authority makes a full certification decision. The Architectural Technologists of Ontario (AATO) exemplifies proactive adaptation through the adoption of verifiable digital credentials (VDCs), which offer secure, tamper-proof verification and restore trust within the profession. By embracing digital credentialing platforms, updating governance, and engaging members, regulatory authorities can ensure both compliance and member protection in a rapidly evolving labour market.

Ontario’s As of Right Framework

As Canada enters a new era of labour mobility, recent legislative changes in Ontario are reshaping how regulated professions operate and thrive. The concept of "as of right" practice, now embedded in new labour mobility laws, gives certified professionals the ability to work in Ontario while the regulatory authority makes a full certification decision. For regulatory authorities, this evolution brings both opportunity and responsibility.

As reciprocal credential recognition and As of Right labour mobility initiatives progress, regulatory authorities are seeking practical ways to comply. We’ve heard from regulatory authorities about a real need to modernize verification processes and meet deadlines. At Credivera, our goal is to work with organizations along their journey, enabling smooth transitions from policy to practice.

The Use of Digital Technology  

The Architectural Technologists of Ontario (AATO) offers a prime example of proactive adaptation. Faced with sector confusion and challenges to their professional titles, AATO decided to implement verifiable digital credentials (VDCs) as a means of cryptographic protection and instant credential verification. This move not only secures the integrity of their designations but also restores trust among professionals, employers, and the public.

Digital credentialing platforms like Credivera are leading the way in this transformation. Unlike traditional badges or certificates, VDCs are tamper-proof, compliant with ISO standards, and easily portable. They allow professionals to share proof of their qualifications instantly, supporting seamless career journeys and reducing the risk of fraudulent claims. For regulatory authorities, the adoption of VDCs means aligning governance documents and communication strategies with modern, national expectations.

Getting Ready for 2026 – Practical Next Steps for Regulatory Authorities

The message from sector leaders is clear: act early. These are the 4 best practices leaders are recommending for getting your organization ready:

1. Communications: early communications with members and board​s. Launching comprehensive member engagement campaigns. Online webinars, instructional pages, and direct communication can ease the transition and foster buy-in.

2. Governance: updating of governance documents to align with new regulatory frameworks such as the Ontario As of Right framework.

3. Collaboration with peers, nationally​: finding ways in which reciprocal credential recognition can be found across peer regulatory authorities across Canada.  

4. Technology: ​having a digital certificate that is portable, secure, tamper-evident, source-verified secures the integrity of professional designations.  

As the Canadian labour market becomes more agile, regulatory authorities that embrace these tools and approaches will be best positioned to protect their members’ interests and public safety.

To learn more about Ontario’s As of Right Framework, click here.  

To help regulatory authorities get started, we have developed a targeted landing page with concise, actionable steps: https://www.credivera.com/labour-mobility