Advocacy Win: Advancing Labour Mobility for Skilled Trades in Ontario

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and broader Chamber Network, has achieved a significant advocacy win in the push for improved labour mobility for skilled tradespeople.

In its 2024 Provincial Budget Submission, the OCC urged the Government of Ontario to take bold steps toward enhancing interprovincial trade by signing mutual recognition agreements or unilaterally recognizing standards from other provinces. The aim was to promote labour mobility and address the ongoing skilled trades shortages impacting Ontario’s economy.

In August 2024, this advocacy culminated in a major success. The Government of Ontario signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Nova Scotia to streamline interprovincial mobility for skilled tradespeople, including post-journeyperson certification. This agreement marks a significant step in addressing labour shortages by making it easier for qualified tradespeople from other provinces to become certified in Ontario.

The London Chamber of Commerce is proud to have supported this advocacy effort, helping to ensure that Ontario remains competitive and open to skilled workers from across the country.