Canadian and Design Construction writer
Labour ministers from the federal, provincial and territorial governments met in Québec City this week and agreed to take new steps aimed at making it easier for workers to move between provinces, while improving workplace safety training across Canada.
The meeting was co-chaired by Quebec Labour Minister Jean Boulet and federal Secretary of State (Labour) John Zerucelli.
A major focus was how to reduce barriers that currently make it harder for workers—especially in construction—to work in different provinces without having to repeat training or certification. Ministers said better alignment of safety training across jurisdictions would help speed up infrastructure projects and support worker mobility.
They agreed on a plan they say will better match key construction safety training across the country. The goal is to have common standards for some courses by 2027, including training for working at heights and operating elevated work platforms.
Other training areas under review include hoisting and rigging, and trenching and shoring, with consultations expected to continue. Ministers also committed to working toward shared standards for entry-level construction workers and supervisors by mid-2027.
Officials were also asked to come back with practical steps by fall 2026 on how provinces and territories can more easily recognize each other’s training.
Ministers said they will meet more often to track progress, with the next meetings planned for Nova Scotia this fall and Saskatchewan in spring 2027.
The group also discussed how to better align workplace safety rules across Canada, building on earlier efforts to reduce differences between provinces.
Another issue on the table was the trucking industry, where ministers agreed to set up a working group to look at concerns about worker classification and how it is being applied. That group will report back in fall 2026.
Internationally, ministers noted progress toward Canada potentially signing onto a key International Labour Organization workplace safety agreement, and they backed a renewed Canada-ILO cooperation plan for 2026 to 2028. International Labour Organization
The meeting also involved ongoing coordination through groups such as the Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour Legislation Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour Legislation and work tied to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement Canadian Free Trade Agreement, which is aimed at reducing barriers to working across provinces.
Representatives from Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and the Northwest Territories attended on behalf of their ministers.
Ministers ended the meeting by saying they want to keep working together to make workplaces safer and make it easier for Canadians to take jobs wherever they are needed.
