Ontario proposes employing out-of-province health-care workers

The provincial government plans to introduce legislation next month that will allow health-care workers from across Canada to start practicing in Ontario more quickly.

Doug Ford announced the plans today in Windsor in the company of health minister, Sylvia Jones.

WATCH:  Ford, Jones speak in Windsor at 10:30 a.m.

New “as of right” regulations will automatically recognize health-care workers’ credentials from other provinces so they can work in Ontario without having to first register with one of the province’s health regulatory colleges.

The new legislation will provide hospitals with the flexibility they need to fill in-demand roles during special circumstances such as viral surges.

READ MORE: Ontario unveils 3-step plan to invest in private health care

“A highly-skilled health care worker from British Columbia or Nova Scotia shouldn’t have to pause their career or face barriers to practice here in Ontario,” Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones said.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the new rules would allow health-care professionals looking to move to Ontario to get to work as soon as they arrive.

Ontario says the changes would mark the first step toward a pan-Canadian portable registration model.