Under the NWPTA, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have agreed to reconcile or mutually recognize occupational standards, so people can work in their occupation in all three provinces.
Professionals and skilled tradespersons certified in one province will be recognized as qualified in the other three provinces. The benefit of the NWPTA is that workers will not need to go through material examinations or training to practice their chosen occupation.
Some occupations are not regulated in all four provinces. For individuals moving to a province that regulates from a province that does not, the individual will have to meet the requirements of the regulatory authority in order to obtain a license or certification to work in that province. Over time, reconciliation of all occupations should create full labour mobility for all occupations.
To determine the registration process for your occupation, please contact the regulatory authority in the province where you wish to be certified.
- List of British Columbia regulatory authorities
- List of Alberta regulatory authorities
- List of Saskatchewan regulatory authorities
- List of Manitoba regulatory authorities
The benefits of the NWPTA include the following:
- Gives workers more choice in where they work and live.
- Reduces costs, in both time and money, for workers who move from one province to another.
- Helps get skilled people into the workforce faster.
- Creates greater consistency in recognizing the Canadian credentials and qualifications of foreign-trained professionals within the four provinces.
- Provides employers with skilled workers and professionals.
