Application Process for Individuals Deemed Certified Under Ontario’s Labour Mobility Act

Under the Ontario Labour Mobility Act, 2021, individuals who are registered as landscape architects in another regulated Canadian jurisdiction are eligible for membership in Ontario without additional reassessment or restrictions. Regulated Canadian jurisdictions currently include BCSLA, AALA and OALA.

Eligibility Requirements

To be deemed certified in Ontario, you must attest to the following:

• You are currently registered as a landscape architect in a regulated Canadian jurisdiction (currently, the only regulated provinces outside of Ontario are Alberta and British Columbia)
• You are a member in good standing with your home jurisdiction
• You meet the OALA Independent Course of Study knowledge requirements
• You will follow the OALA’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice

Required Documentation

• Completed application form that includes the endorsement from an OALA Full Member, or a full member in your home jurisdiction

How to Apply for Deemed Certification

1. Create a user account on the OALA website
2. Complete the application form
3. Submit the required application fee

Completed labour mobility applications are typically processed within 10 business days.

If approved, you will receive written confirmation that you have been deemed certified and be authorized to legally use the title Landscape Architect in Ontario for a maximum of six (6) months.

Transitioning from Deemed Certified to Full Member

Once deemed certified, you have six (6) months to complete the process to become a Full Member of the OALA. This requires submitting:

1. A completed Full Member application form (Option 4)
2. A Letter of Good Standing from your current regulatory body (Alberta or British Columbia)

To reduce administrative burden, if you already possess the necessary documentation, you are encouraged to apply to become a Full Member through Option 4a – Reciprocity. Reciprocity applications are also processed within 10 business days.

Relationship to the National Reciprocity Agreement

Deemed certification operates within the framework of the National Reciprocity Agreement for landscape architects, which continues to serve as the primary pathway for interprovincial mobility. Applicants still submit their applications to the OALA and are assessed under this agreement. Deemed certification ensures that qualified individuals are not delayed in practicing due to administrative processing timelines, provided they meet the prescribed requirements.