Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have signed a new agreement aimed at removing trade barriers between their provinces and improving labour mobility, particularly in the skilled trades. The deal was inked in Saskatoon during a two-day First Ministers’ meeting that brought together premiers and the Prime Minister to discuss key national issues.The memorandum of understanding promises to improve the flow of goods and services between Alberta and Ontario while streamlining certification processes for regulated professions. It also allows direct-to-consumer sales of locally made alcohol across provincial lines.“Together, Alberta and Ontario are taking a big step toward a more open, competitive, and united economy,” said Smith. “It’s time to stop letting outdated rules hold us back and show Canadians what real economic leadership looks like.”Ford cited growing concerns about U.S. protectionism as a major reason to deepen internal cooperation. “With President Trump threatening our economy, there’s never been a more important time to boost internal trade and cooperation between provinces,” he said. “We’re helping Canada unlock up to $200 billion in economic potential.”The agreement opens the door for Ontario to join the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA), a 15-year-old framework that currently includes Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The NWPTA is credited with improving the movement of goods, services, workers and spending between western provinces.The MOU also calls for coordinated advocacy to the federal government on key regulatory changes the provinces believe are holding back the economy. These include calls to repeal or amend the Impact Assessment Act, Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, Clean Electricity Regulations and proposed emissions cap rules on the oil and gas sector.Alberta continues to lead in reducing barriers to interprovincial trade. Since 2019, the province has eliminated 21 of its 27 exceptions under the Canada Free Trade Agreement, narrowing the remainder to cover alcohol regulation, forestry, hazardous materials, upstream resource royalties, and legalized cannabis.The First Ministers’ meeting concludes Monday.
