New labour mobility agreement will help fill jobs faster, reduce bureaucracy, and strengthen Canada’s economy
SURREY, B.C. (August 27, 2026) – A nurse qualified in Alberta. An electrician licensed in Ontario. A tradesperson certified in Newfoundland. Until now, Canadians like these moving between provinces faced additional paperwork, delays, and regulatory hurdles before they were allowed to work in any province but their own.
That finally changed this week, as British Columbia joined every province and territory in adopting a new labour mobility agreement that will automatically recognize professional credentials across Canada, making it faster and easier for qualified workers to move where jobs are available and helping businesses fill critical labour shortages.
The agreement requires provinces and territories to recognize occupational certifications from each other, limits additional requirements that can be imposed on workers, and establishes a 30-day service standard for certification decisions.
Surrey First Councillor and candidate for mayor Linda Annis says the changes are long overdue and demonstrate how governments can work together to remove barriers that hold back workers, businesses, and economic growth.
“At a time when employers are struggling to find skilled workers and Canadians are facing economic uncertainty, removing unnecessary barriers between provinces is simply common sense,” said Annis. “Qualified workers should be able to go where opportunities exist without being forced to navigate a maze of duplicative rules and paperwork. This agreement helps workers, employers, and local economies all at the same time.”
Surrey First councillor candidate Jasroop Gosal said the announcement reflects the kind of policy reform Surrey’s business community has been advocating for years.
“During my time at the Surrey Board of Trade, I worked with businesses that were frustrated by the patchwork of rules and regulations that exist across Canada,” said Gosal. “We’ve been calling for governments to reduce red tape, improve labour mobility, and create a more seamless national economy. This is exactly the kind of reform that helps businesses like ours in Surrey to grow and create more opportunities for workers.”
Gosal said Canada’s economy cannot reach its full potential if every province operates under different regulatory systems.
“A worker shouldn’t have to start over simply because they cross a provincial border,” added Gosal. “We need a Canada where people, skills, and opportunities can move freely. Greater harmonization means less bureaucracy, lower costs, improved productivity, and a stronger economy that works for everyone.”
Surrey First believes all governments – federal, provincial, and municipal – should continue identifying and eliminating unnecessary barriers that prevent Canadians from working, investing, and doing business in communities all across the country.
“Canada works best when we act as one country, not thirteen separate economies,” added Annis. “This agreement is a significant step in the right direction.”