Public feedback welcome on the province’s Proposed Approach to Implementing Mutual Recognition under the Ontario Free Trade and Mobility Act, 2025

The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) is sharing this information with the public for anyone who may wish to provide feedback to the Ontario Government on its Proposed Approach to Implementing Mutual Recognition under the Ontario Free Trade and Mobility Act, 2025.

On Dec. 15, 2025, the provincial government announced –

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As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario and unleash its full economic potential, the province is taking the next steps to implement mutual recognition of goods and services from other reciprocating Canadian jurisdictions by publishing a draft regulation under the Ontario Free Trade and Mobility Act, 2025 (OFTMA). Building on Ontario’s national leadership in supporting free trade and labour mobility across Canada, the mutual recognition of goods and services will play a substantial role in supporting economic integration across Canada and removing internal trade barriers that cost the economy up to $200 billion every year.

“For decades, red tape and burdensome regulations have held Ontario’s economy back, increasing the cost of goods and services for manufacturers and families alike and limiting the ease with which Ontario-made products could be traded with our provincial and territorial partners,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Mutual recognition will play a pivotal role in unlocking new market opportunities for Ontario goods and services, and further advance Ontario’s leadership in strengthening trade security and diversification.”

A key component of the government’s Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, 2025,whichwas passed in June 2025, Ontario’s approach to mutual recognition ensures that if a good or service meets the regulatory requirements in other parts of Canada, it will be recognized here in Ontario. To activate its mutual recognition framework, Ontario has introduced a new draft regulation that will allow the province to recognize goods and services from other Canadian jurisdictions, provided those jurisdictions are taking similar actions at home. Ontario’s approach to mutual recognition is designed to be both ambitious and reciprocal:

• Goods approved for sale or use in a reciprocating jurisdiction will be treated as if they have met Ontario’s standards and will not require additional testing, approvals or fees.
• Businesses that are authorized to provide a service in a reciprocating jurisdiction will be entitled to the equivalent authorization in Ontario.
• The regulation will clarify that OFTMA’s mutual recognition rules will prevail when there is a conflict with other Ontario laws.
• The regulation will set out parameters to guide implementation of mutual recognition and clarify that Ontario laws on how goods are sold or used will continue to apply.

Provide feedback

The draft regulation is posted on the Ontario Regulatory Registry and is open to feedback from the public, regulators and industry stakeholders through a 45-day consultation period.

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You may also read the government’s full news release here.