Federal recognition of provincial trade and occupational licences
Federal (Canada) · Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act, S.C. 2025, c. 2, s. 2 (One Canadian Economy Act, Bill C-5); Regulations SOR/2025-225
In force
Licensing
What changes
All law updatesFederal regulators must recognize a provincial or territorial authorization to practise an occupation as comparable to a federal one, and must issue a federal authorization to holders who apply. Goods and services that meet provincial or territorial requirements are treated as meeting comparable federal requirements, with health and safety exceptions. The Act received Royal Assent June 26, 2025, and came into force January 1, 2026 (SI/2025-107).
- Law or regulation
- Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act, S.C. 2025, c. 2, s. 2 (One Canadian Economy Act, Bill C-5); Regulations SOR/2025-225
- Jurisdiction
- Federal (Canada)
- In force
- Jan 1, 2026
- Official source
- Department of Justice Canada (Justice Laws)
Who it affects and how
Contractors
General contractors, builders and construction business owners
Provincially licensed crews can be deployed on federally regulated work without separate federal credentialing.
Trades
Subcontractors and trade contractors
A provincial or territorial trade authorization must be recognized for comparable federally regulated work.
Workers
Employees and tradespeople on site
Certified tradespeople can apply for federal recognition of their provincial authorization without re-qualifying.
Suppliers
Sellers of materials, products and equipment
Products meeting provincial or territorial requirements are deemed to meet comparable federal requirements, subject to exceptions.
Not directly affected: owners & developers, homebuyers & customers, designers.
Plain-language summary by ArtBuild, checked against the official source on Oct 29, 2026. General information, not legal advice; you are responsible for how you use it. The official text governs: read it, and we recommend asking a lawyer or the regulator about your situation.