Occupational regulatory bodies and professional associations establish standards of entry and issue licences for regulated occupations (which represent 15% of Canada’s labour market). There are over 400 regulatory professional bodies in Canada. Regulations vary from province to province and from occupation to occupation, affecting worker mobility within Canada and the integration of internationally-trained workers across the country. Regulated professions generally focus on standards for job entry. The Work Destination website is a comprehensive source of information on regulated trades and professions in Canada. The Canadian Network of National Associations of Regulators (CNNAR) is a federation of national organizations whose provincial and territorial members are identified in legislation as responsible for protection of the public through the self-regulation of professions and occupations.
Non-regulated professions require no licence to practice. Employers are key decision makers in this area. Post-secondary institutions, credential assessment agencies, and immigrant-serving organizations all play an important role in providing services to both employers and internationally-trained individuals. Sector councils also play a crucial role in defining occupational standards for their industries, and in developing industry-specific resources.
Within the trades, there are two categories: compulsory and voluntary. Compulsory trades require provincial certification, which includes four years of apprenticeship. Voluntary trade requirements vary, and technically, one can legally work without certification; however, in practice, unions and some employers often require certification.
In 2001, the Agreement on Internal Trade Chapter 7 on Labour mobility was formulated. Its objective is to enable workers qualified for an occupation in one part of Canada to have access to employment opportunities in that occupation in any other province or territory.
For more information on different initiatives to facilitate the licensing and certification of internationally-trained individuals, click on the links below.
National associations
Provincial regulatory bodies