Out of Province Master Electrician (ME) Licence

Upcoming Changes

As of January 1, 2026, recent amendments to the Ontario Labour Mobility Act will come into effect. These changes will make it easier for Master Electrician applicants from outside of Ontario to begin working in the province. 

A key change includes the introduction of a new ‘deemed certified’ provisional licensing process which allows individuals with an equivalent Master Electrician licence from another jurisdiction to start working in Ontario immediately while completing a streamlined registration process.  This new process will impact licence holders from British Columbia and Alberta seeking an equivalent ME licence in Ontario.   

As we approach the January 1, 2026 implementation date, we’ll continue to update this webpage with guidance on how the new process will look. 

Check this page often for the latest news and help. We’re here to support you through every step.

If you hold a Master Electrician (ME) Licence or equivalent trade designation from anywhere outside of Ontario, follow the table below to see how you can work as an ME in Ontario:

Jurisdiction

Process to Become an ME in Ontario

Alberta
  • If you have a valid Master Electrician (ME) Licence from Alberta, you must:
  • Work experience in Canada is generally accepted. Work experience from outside Canada is not.
  • ESA will:
    • Confirm receipt of your application by email within 10 business days and let you know if anything is missing. 
    • If your application is complete and all requirements are met, issue your Ontario ME Licence within 30 calendar days.

Note: As of January 1, 2026, applicants with an equivalent ME licence from Alberta will be eligible to apply for a provisional “as-of-right” ME licence. This one-time, temporary licence will allow you to work in Ontario for up to 6 months, within 10-days of submitting a complete application. More information and detailed guidance will be made available on this page as January 1, 2026 approaches. 

British Columbia
  • If you have a valid Field Safety Representative (FSR) Licence from British Columbia, and at least 3 years of trade experience, you must:
  • Work experience in Canada is generally accepted. Work experience from outside Canada is not.
  • ESA will:
    • Confirm receipt of your application by email within 10 business days and let you know if anything is missing. 
    • If your application is complete and all requirements are met, issue your Ontario ME Licence within 30 calendar days.

Note: As of January 1, 2026, applicants with an equivalent ME licence from Alberta will be eligible to apply for a provisional “as-of-right” ME licence. This one-time, temporary licence will allow you to work in Ontario for up to 6 months, within 10-days of submitting a complete application. More information and detailed guidance will be made available on this page as January 1, 2026 approaches. 

Quebec

Note: Individuals holding a valid Certificat de compétence – compagnon may work under a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) in Ontario and are eligible to become an ME without registering with the Skilled Trades Ontario (STO), but they still need to complete the regular full ME Licence application process.

All Other Locations
 

training catalogue

Not seeing the answer to your question?

Contact ESA Licensing at: ESA.Licensing@electricalsafety.on.ca