Government cutting red tape to strengthen Ontario’s health-care workforce
The Ontario government is taking significant steps to strengthen its health-care workforce by making it easier for U.S.-licensed nurses and board-certified physicians to move to and practise in Ontario. The change is part of the government’s plan to protect and strengthen Ontario’s health-care system by increasing the number of health-care professionals working in the province.
“By cutting the red tape that is delaying highly trained U.S.-licensed doctors and nurses from being able to live and work in Ontario, we are making bold strides to ensure Ontario patients receive timely and accessible care,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “These changes build on our government’s historic action to reduce labour mobility barriers for health-care professionals within Canada, and will now make it faster and easier for American physicians and nurses to care for Ontario patients.”
The change will enable qualified U.S.-licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and registered practical nurses to begin working in Ontario health settings without prior registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario or the College of Nurses of Ontario. These professionals will be able to work for up to six months while seeking registration in Ontario, removing a significant barrier to attracting American health-care workers.
Additionally, the government is removing restrictions under “As of Right” that limit four professions to practising in public hospitals and long-term care homes. This change applies to physicians and nurses licensed in the U.S., as well as respiratory therapists and medical laboratory technologists who will now be able to practise in a broader range of health settings, including primary care, home and community care and community laboratories.
Ontario continues to support locally trained health-care workers, expanding the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, which provides financial assistance to postsecondary students who commit to working in underserved communities after graduation. The province is also expanding access to care by opening more medical schools, increasing nursing program capacity, and broadening the scope of practice for nurses, enabling nurses to play a greater role in patient care.
Quick Facts
- To qualify, health professionals must be licensed in their home jurisdiction with no history of misconduct or incompetence, as well as comply with other public protection requirements.
- Ontario’s “As of Right” exemption first came into effect on July 24, 2023, and expedited the process for physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and medical laboratory technologists registered in other provinces and territories to immediately start working and caring for Ontarians while seeking registration to practise in Ontario.
- Allowing U.S.-licensed physicians and nurses to work in Ontario supports the government’s work under the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act 2025 to remove labour mobility barriers, reduce administrative burdens and simplify the movement of certified workers across Canada.
- Physicians and nurses from the U.S. will need to go through the standard Canadian immigration/permanent residency/work permit process administered by the federal government.
- Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government continues to take bold and decisive action to grow the province’s highly skilled health-care workforce and ensure people and their families have access to high-quality care closer to home for generations to come.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
