With mounting trade barriers between Canada and its largest trading partner, the United States, Saskatchewan is doubling down on its commitment to open and free trade within the country.
The province has long been a leader in interprovincial trade agreements, participating in initiatives such as the New West Partnership Agreement and the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. Now, Saskatchewan is taking further steps to reduce exemptions and encourage seamless trade across the country.
“Saskatchewan has some of the fewest exceptions of any province within the Canadian Free Trade Agreement,” said Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding.
“We are conducting a thorough review of our remaining exceptions to ensure we remain the best jurisdiction in Canada for trade and investment. Our province will continue to lead by example and encourage other territorial leaders to further reduce their barriers on goods flowing freely across Canada in order to match Saskatchewan’s low exemptions.”
One of the key initiatives Saskatchewan is spearheading is a direct-to-consumer sales system for alcohol, which it is co-leading with other willing provinces and territories. The initiative aims to give consumers greater access to products from across Canada while expanding market opportunities for Saskatchewan producers.
Beyond trade, Saskatchewan is also leading the way in workforce mobility. The province boasts the fastest turnaround times for credential recognition in Canada, thanks to The Labour Mobility and Fair Registration Practices Act. By streamlining processes for international workers and Canadians from other provinces, Saskatchewan has created one of the most accessible job markets in the country, allowing workers to find and start employment more quickly.
The province is also pushing for mutual recognition of safety standards in the trucking industry and is currently participating in a pilot project to facilitate more efficient transportation of goods across provincial borders. Saskatchewan sees this as a key tool to ensuring goods can move safely and efficiently nationwide.
As trade tensions persist internationally, Saskatchewan remains committed to fostering strong economic ties within Canada, solidifying its position as a national leader in interprovincial trade and labour mobility.
