Should Ontario Accept Other Provinces' Product Approvals as Valid Here?

Official title: Proposed Approach to Implementing Mutual Recognition under the Ontario Free Trade and Mobility Act, 2025

Closed Regulations & Permits Economy & Jobs Finance & Consumer
Ontario wants to let products and services approved in other provinces be sold here without extra red tape. If a widget meets Nova Scotia's safety standards, it could be sold in Ontario without re-certification. The same goes for service providers—a business licensed in Manitoba could operate here more easily. The catch? Only provinces that return the favour would qualify.

Why This Matters

Run a business that sells across provincial lines? This could cut your compliance costs significantly. Right now, getting the same product approved in multiple provinces means duplicate paperwork and fees. Consumers might see more product choices and potentially lower prices as competition increases.

What Could Change

Products approved for sale in Nova Scotia, Manitoba, BC, PEI, Quebec, or federally could be sold in Ontario without additional certification. Service providers licensed in those provinces could get Ontario authorization more easily. Regulators could still request proof of insurance or criminal record checks, and could suspend recognition for up to 90 days if serious risks emerge.

Key Issues

  • What benefits or challenges will mutual recognition create for your business or sector?
  • What guidance or tools would help businesses and regulators implement this framework?
  • Are there specific goods or services that could pose risks under mutual recognition?
  • How should the government measure whether mutual recognition is working?

How to Participate

  1. Review the draft regulation and the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement to understand what's being proposed.
  2. Submit your feedback to mutualrecognition@ontario.ca by the deadline. Include your name, organization, industry sector, and which goods or services your comments relate to.
  3. Alternatively, use the online comment form on the Ontario Regulatory Registry.

Key Documents