Hey Chuck,
The Ontario Gov't is looking to make licensing mandatory in that province, but as another has said on this post, the proposed act is very vague. Will CSPA be the licensing body, or will a new licensing system involving the military be the standard? Apparently several military riggers have been contacted to advise the bills writers of what would be appropriate for sport parachuting. This is odd, as mentioned on the CSPA Chat by another, the Canadian Military SARTECHS (Search and Rescue Airborne) have been using the CSPA Coaching and Instruction Program to learn how to teach rescue parachuting. They must feel that CSPA has some sort of expertise when it comes to safety in freefall. Why else would they be getting rated on the civilian system?
As for how things work in Canada, you must be license to jump on a CSPA dropzone by and FAI affiliated organization (CSPA, USPA, etc). CAPS is another jump organization in Canada, although less prevalent that CSPA. However, CSPA is the only FAI affiliate, via the Aero Club of Canada. CAPS is not FAI affiliated. Both have been endorsed by Transport Canada to conduct sport parachuting activities.
Jason