A new Ontario bill promising a “more competitive economy” could make it easier for health professionals — including dentists, dental hygienists and dental technologists — from across Canada to work in the province.
The Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025 — also known as Bill 56 — was introduced in the Ontario Legislature on Oct. 20 and passed First Reading the same day. The bill was debated at Second Reading on Oct. 21 and 22 before debate was adjourned for further consideration.
If passed, the act would directly affect dental professionals. Here’s how:
Dental professionals to work “as of right”
The bill supports worker mobility across Canada by expanding “as-of-right” provisions for professionals who are licensed and in good standing in another province or territory — particularly those in health care.
Ontario’s current as-of-right rules apply to four health professions — physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and medical laboratory technologists — as well as U.S.-licensed physicians and nurses. These professionals may work in Ontario for up to six months while applying for registration.
Bill 56 proposes to extend these rights to 16 additional health professions, including:
audiologists and speech-language pathologists, chiropodists, dental hygienists, dental technologists, dentists, denturists, dietitians, medical radiation and imaging technologists, midwives, occupational therapists, opticians, optometrists, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, physician assistants, physiotherapists and psychologists.
Related: Ontario proposes granting dental hygienists, denturists authority to order diagnostic imaging
‘Status quo isn’t good enough’
“This is about protecting Ontario’s competitive advantage because the status quo isn’t good enough,” said Andrea Khanjin, Minister of Red Tape Reduction.
“We’re cutting red tape to make government work better for people and smarter for business, so there’s faster service with less paperwork.”
David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development — who introduced the bill — added: “By advancing labour mobility and making it easier for skilled workers to get to work, we’re helping businesses grow, filling critical labour gaps and building a more resilient, self-sustaining economy that works for everyone.”
Overall, the bill is an omnibus act that also introduces a range of other economic and regulatory changes beyond health care. To read more about those measures, click here.