Ontario is taking steps to make it easier for more health professionals from across Canada to work in the province without unnecessary red tape.
Labour Minister David Piccini plans to introduce new legislation next week expanding “as-of-right” work privileges to 16 additional health professions, including dentists, pharmacists, optometrists, psychologists, and midwives.
Currently, doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and medical lab technologists can already begin working in Ontario while their credentials are being processed.
Health Minister Sylvia Jones says the move will help health workers start caring for patients sooner and ease staffing shortages.
The government is also working with Ontario’s medical and nursing colleges to reduce application fees, documentation requirements, and wait times.
Officials say these changes—along with steps to welcome qualified American doctors and nurses—will strengthen Ontario’s healthcare system and improve access for patients across the province.