The Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) and the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA) both contain provisions that relate to the certification of regulated workers.
The Labour Mobility Chapter of the CFTA (Chapter 7) and Article 13 of the NWPTA provide that any worker certified to perform a profession or occupation by a regulator in any Canadian province or territory will be granted certification, upon application, for the same profession or occupation in any other province, without the need for additional training, work experience, or examinations.
Who do the Labour Mobility Provisions apply to?
The labour mobility provisions of the CFTA and NPWTA apply to workers certified by a regulatory body in Canada in a regulated occupation.
Regulated occupations are occupations that are governed by provincial legislation with respect to licensing and certification. These occupations are regulated by government or through a professional organization or regulatory body, and these bodies have the authority to:
- Set the requirements for you to practice, and the standards of practice;
- Assess an applicant's qualifications and credentials;
- Certify, register or license a qualified applicant; and
- Discipline members of the occupation.
Exceptions to Labour Mobility
Some additional requirements for certified workers are automatically allowed under the labour mobility provisions such as criminal record checks or paying an application fee. Other additional requirements must be approved by the respective government as an exception to the Chapter.
Exceptions may be approved when there is a significant difference in occupational standards and the exception is based on reasons such as the protection of public security, health and safety.
Exceptions Specific to Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan has approved four exceptions. In the case of these four occupations, professionals moving to Saskatchewan will need to demonstrate they meet Saskatchewan standards. Saskatchewan's four approved exceptions are in the following occupations:
- Lawyer
- Paramedic (EMR, PCP, ACP)
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Dental Hygienist
More information regarding Saskatchewan's exceptions can be found at workersmobility.ca/exceptions-by-jurisdiction/.
More information regarding labour mobility in Canada can be found at workersmobility.ca or by contacting Saskatchewan's Labour Mobility Coordinator at labour-mobility@gov.sk.ca.