Government looks to remove more barriers for out-of-province workers

Release

Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour

March 25, 2026

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The government has proposed amendments that, if passed, would make it easier for people to come to New Brunswick to work.

“Getting workers on job sites faster is a win-win for everyone. People who are ready to work shouldn’t be stuck waiting because of unnecessary red tape,” said Post-Secondary Education and Training minister Jean-Claude D’Amours. “We’re making it easier for skilled workers from across Canada to get on the job faster, which helps businesses fill positions and helps New Brunswickers get the services they rely on. This is about cutting barriers and making it easier to work and do business across provinces.”

The Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Act establishes requirements – such as fees, wages and certification – for employers, apprentices and journeymen in designated occupations in the province.

The proposed amendments to the act would:

·         Automatically recognize certificates of qualification or equivalency from other provincial and territorial apprenticeship authorities.

·         Eliminate the requirement for a certified tradesperson from another province to apply for an equivalent certificate and to pay the associated $150 fee.

·         Eliminate the registration ($25) and prior learning assessment ($100) fees for apprentices registered in Canadian jurisdictions outside of New Brunswick who are registering as an apprentice in the province.

“Removing these barriers will make a real difference for employers who are trying to fill critical positions quickly,” said Kris Seamans, who is the director of logistics and apprenticeship at Holland Power, as well as an apprenticeship and occupational certification board member and a Red Seal electrician. “Recognizing credentials from other provinces and cutting unnecessary fees helps skilled tradespeople get to work sooner, and it gives New Brunswick businesses the workforce certainty they need to plan and grow.”

Improving labour mobility is a priority in the government’s efforts to reduce internal trade barriers and improve the flow of goods and services between New Brunswick and other Canadian jurisdictions. These proposed amendments would build upon legislation passed in the spring of 2025; changes to the Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act were aimed at ensuring skilled workers can enter the New Brunswick workforce without unnecessary obstacles.

25-03-26

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