Clarification from ESA on Labour Mobility Updates Between Provinces

July 14, 2025

Effective July 1st, 2025, ESA implemented changes required under the Bill 2Protect Ontario Through Free Trade within Canada Act, 2025 and the Ontario Labour Mobility Act, introduced by the Government of Ontario. These legislative updates aim to reduce interprovincial barriers and support the mobility of qualified tradespeople across Canada.

  • Provisional ME Licence Applications: Starting July 1st, 2025, the licensing team will begin issuing one-time Provisional ME Licences to applicants from Alberta and British Columbia who hold equivalent credentials and experience. Eligible applicants will be able to begin working in Ontario within 10 business days of submitting a complete application. The Provisional ME Licence is valid for a period of 6-months.
  • Full ME Licence Requirement: To continue working beyond the initial 6-month provisional period, applicants must:
    • Apply for and pass ESA’s ME Exam (Ontario-specific version)
    • Submit a completed, streamlined Ontario ME Licence Application

Out of Province Master Electrician (ME) Licence

If you hold a Master Electrician (ME) Licence or equivalent trade designation from anywhere outside of Ontario, follow the table below to see how you can work as an ME in Ontario:

JurisdictionProcess to Become an ME in Ontario
AlbertaIf you have a valid Master Electrician (ME) Licence from Alberta, Ontario will recognize your licence for a six-month period. This means:You can start working within 10 business days of submitting a complete Provisional ESA ME Licence Application (this includes payment).To keep working beyond those 6 months, you must apply for, write and pass ESA’s ME Exam (version focused on Ontario context) and submit a completed, streamlined Ontario ME Licence Application.To learn more about the process, click here.
British ColumbiaIf you have a valid Field Safety Representative (FSR) Licence from British Columbia and have 3+ years of experience working in the trade, Ontario will recognize your licence for a six-month period. This means: You can start working within 10 business days of submitting a complete Provisional ESA ME Licence Application (this includes payment). To keep working beyond those 6 months, you must apply for, write and pass ESA’s ME Exam (version focused on Ontario context) and submit a completed, streamlined Ontario ME Licence Application.To learn more about the process, click here.
QuebecIf you have a valid Master Electrician/ Maître électricien (ME) Licence from Quebec, you can apply for your Ontario ME Licence once you meet the minimum requirements. As part of meeting the requirements, you must apply for, write and pass ESA’s ME Exam (version focused on Ontario context) and submit a completed, streamlined Ontario ME Licence Application.Learn more about the requirements and process *here*.
All Other LocationsYou can apply for your Ontario ME Licence once you meet the minimum requirements. Learn more about the requirements and process *here* 

Go HERE for more information

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